Those who take the animals permanently must agree not to breed, sell, or use them for entertainment. Balancing the number of animals coming in as rescues and going out as adoptees is a tricky and expensive business, but one that the Marin Humane Society in California does well. The society places about 10-15 parakeets, finches, and other birds per month, and adopts out a good number of rats, rabbits, box turtles, and others. The birds are usually turned in by the owners. Once evaluated for health and temperament, new residents are taken to the public adoption part of the facility and made available for new homes.
Volunteers help match potential adopters with appropriate animals.
Ducks and chickens who are sometimes turned loose in local ponds also end up at Marin Humane, as do soft-shell turtles. Children who had coincidentally just visited a zoo spotted the animal and recognized what it was, much to some adults' disbelief. Marin Humane has an extensive education and public awareness program, including a Family Animal Care Academy class that helps advise and instruct people before they make unwise animal acquisitions. This is especially useful for parents, Coleman says. Ninety percent of the time they want something inappropriate for the age of the child.