What does it cost to save a stray animal?

I few monthe age I posted that I saved a stray cat. Best feeling in the world to know we saved a little life. We found her a very loving home with someone who is spoiling her.

I have a few more stray cats that I want to save and possibly get homes for but unfortunately don't have much money to do it. I called a lady who does some independent rescue and she can get me a discount at a vet for about $160- $200 (this would include bloodwork, spay/neuter, vaccines). I know that I could go to the ASPCA but I am so afraid they might put the animals down.

Anyone know a vet I could work with? Or have any experience working with the ASPCA? I live in Queens so I prefer not to have to go into the city if I don't have to.

There are several rescue organizations out there .. you should check them out before ASPCA.

We got our kitty from PAWS .. check out their website:

PAWS - Pioneers for Animal Welfare Society

We found our guy at the Petco (or Petsmart) that closed on Rt. 106/107 .. the lady was just getting him settled in .. so he was only there for about 20 minutes! And someone was ahead of us looking at him!

Anyway .. there are a bunch of organizations that keep cages at Petco, Petsmart, and other pet stores.

Other organizations I've heard of .. Last Hope & Valley Stream Animal Rescue .. but there are others.

Last Hope

I definitely think you should contact one of these types of places who are recognized as a rescue .. they have the connections .. and can ease the burden you're encountering .. maybe you can hook up with one of them and rely on them whenever you need a place to turn .. for whatever other strays come your way in the future.

To get spay/neutering, try Island Rescue in Bay Shore. They only charge $50, and that includes a rabies shot.

And thanks for caring enough about these animals to try and help them. My FH and I have a large feral colony in our neighborhood, and we've plunked down a lot of money to feed and get them fixed (even adopted a few out).

I've rescued more than a few strays. I use the muffins certificates for spaying/neutering (go to www.muffins.org/spay), then I just have to pay for the initial check up and first batch of vaccines (I usually pay about $150-175 total - including fixing).

Then, the supplies of course (litter/food). From there I find a good foster home if there isn't a good immediate home. The foster person takes care of the animal until I find it a permanent home (most foster homes end up keeping the pet!).

Whenever somebody adopts I follow the rule most organizations have - I ask the person adopting to pay for the second batch of immunizations and to give me a small fee (usually $50-75).

That way - I know they are serious about wanting the animal and it's not just a whim, I get about half of what I spent back so that I can afford to save another if they come along.

Also, it makes sure they are willing to put a little $ into the care and health of the animal so that I know they are going to be willing to do so in the future.

Then, I have them sign a contract that I got from my local shelter. Here are a few of the things it includes:'
Never declaw the animal (it's cruel and unhealthy).
Keep the animal indoors or only outside with supervision.
Never give the animal away to a shelter or abandon it (if necessary it comes back to me if they can't keep it - though I've never had that happen b/c I make sure the homes are good)
Provide adequate play time, food, healthcare, shelter and company

This may seem like a lot but it makes everything run very smoothly. I'd find a local animal shelter that can help you learn to do this with minimal work for you and maximum benefits to the stray.