Well! I happen to know someone who needs a kitten. Perhaps I will direct him down to this.

I've wondered what animal shelters think about apartment management charging pet "rent" (i.e., extortion) and massive non-refundable "fees?"

A lot more people would have pets if not for that.

Always wondered what shelter workers thought about it.

/speaking from Colorado... I have no idea if this shit happens in Washington too.

That's nice, but I hope folks who need to wait for the "free" adoption periods know that responsible pet ownership costs money...for vet care (including spay/neuter), proper food, and meds. Sadly, there are no tax deductions or Obamacare for our four-legged, finned and winged friends.

@2,

A lot of landlords pull that shit (or try to) in the Seattle area. The pet "rent" in particular gets my goat. Charge me a non-refundable deposit if you must, I understand that lots of pet owners don't do a good job keeping their pets from being gross and destructive, but there's no way I'm paying a monthly surcharge just because the landlord is a greedy asshole.

We desperately want to adopt a dog, but our apartment doesn't allow them. :(

@5: If it is non-refundable, then it's not a deposit, but a fee.

BAD IDEA. Impulsive pet buying rarely works out. I hope those shelters are excited to get those pets back in two months or so.