Using Free Adoptions to Reduce Crowding and Euthanasia at Cat Shelters: An Australian Case Study

摘要: Many healthy adult cats are euthanised annually in shelters, and novel approaches required to reduce euthanasia rates. Waiving adoption fees is one such approach. However, concerns that less responsible owners will be attracted free events persist among welfare groups. We evaluated evidence for differences cat fate, health, adherence husbandry legislation via a case-study of adoption-drive ≥1 year at Western Australian shelter. Post-adoption outcomes were compared between adopters control group normal-fee adopters. The rehomed 137 cats, increasing average weekly adoptions by 533%. First-time significantly larger portion the cohort, as result mixed-media promotions. Both adopter groups selected similar age; sex pelage. Post-adoption, both retained >90% reporting near identical incidences medical behavioural problems. Adopters did not differ legislative compliance regarding fitting collars, registering or allowing roam. shelter reported satisfaction with adoption-drive, because addition relieving crowding adults, full-fee kittens increased 381%. Overall, we found no adverse associated adoptions. Shelters should dissuaded from occasional adoption-drives during overflow periods.