Michigan Humane Society pitching adoptions like CPO cars
It's a program that works well with cars, so why not try it out on the cats? That's the logic of the Michigan Humane Society as it rolls out the innovative "Certified Pre-Owned Cats" program in an effort to rid itself of thousands of unadopted felines languishing in local shelters.Offering incentives such as $0 down, $0 financing, and no payments (ever!), the program only applies to cats 4 months or older (kittens are apparently an easy emotional sale). The humane society suggests getting the prospective animal's FIN (Feline Identification Number) and request a CATFAX report before signing documents, even though the animals have passed thorough medical inspections.
While gimmicky, the program apparently works and few cats are being returned (no word on the availability of an extended warranty). The shelters have even found that with careful screening, the cost of the adoption doesn't affect the quality of the homes they find. Here's a suggestion for next month's program: "Cats for Clunkers."
[Source: The Consumerist]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
DiRF 12:04PM (8/22/2009)
My certified pre-owned cat has given me many years of joy. But choose one after thinking about it... impulse-buys are not good for obtaining a pet...
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James 4:06PM (8/22/2009)
..."the innovative "Certified Pre-Owned Cats" program in an effort to rid itself of thousands of unadopted felines languishing in local shelters."
Catbacks...
- Sign of the times.
VW GTi 12:04PM (8/22/2009)
By any chance, did you mean adopted instead of adapted? Adopted makes a bit more sense.
Interesting program, though. Funny plays on automotive terms and services.
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Michael Harley 12:20PM (8/22/2009)
Of course we do (fixed). That's what happens when automotive-trained fingers rarely typed "adopted" in car- and truck-related posts (and spell-check approves both). I'm blaming the cats (and each time I go to type "cats" my fingers type "cars").
- Mike
skitch 12:11PM (8/22/2009)
Scrapin from the bottom of the barrel today AB? lol
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e46mike 12:14PM (8/22/2009)
Clever
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Michael Harley 12:21PM (8/22/2009)
It's the weekend!
- Mike
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BigWill 12:29PM (8/22/2009)
"Cats For Clunkers" is on hold for the moment; the requirement that your old cat be forced to drink a sodium silicate solution before being placed in a crusher is not going over very well.
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Commander Cool 12:34PM (8/22/2009)
If I go to the shelter am I going to be greeted by a guy in plaid pleated pants and an ugly polo shirt and is he going to push me into a cat I don't really like and can't afford?
"If we can make the numbers agreeable is that the cat you'd like to own today?"
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Cameron 1:46PM (8/22/2009)
Just in time for Caturday
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Jim R 1:46PM (8/22/2009)
At first blush this sounds like a really stupid idea, but it seems to be doing the job.
It's like they say..if it's stupid but it works, then it isn't stupid.
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Benfolio 2:32PM (8/22/2009)
I wonder what gets replaced if it's half worn......
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James 2:50PM (8/22/2009)
..."the innovative "Certified Pre-Owned Cats" program in an effort to rid itself of thousands of unadopted felines languishing in local shelters."
Catbacks...
- Sign of the times.
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Michael Harley 4:07PM (8/22/2009)
Ah, good one...
- Mike
Berto 4:45PM (8/22/2009)
Wow, someone actually is doing CPO Cats?
And they keep telling me Certified Pre-Owned Wives won't fly...
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Harrison 5:16PM (8/22/2009)
Will there be a CARS program in which they kill my old cat in exchange for credit towards a kitten?
(wow, that was tasteless)
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RLQ 5:41PM (8/22/2009)
Cats for clunkers.
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FitFan 2:13AM (8/23/2009)
No Payments? Who are they kidding?! Cats are very high maintenance -- think 80's Jaguar.
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Aloysius Vampa 12:07PM (8/23/2009)
Well, it's a cat.
tonydanza 2:28AM (8/23/2009)
Even if they were free, I still wouldn't take a cat.
All they do is crap in litter boxes and give me attitude.
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