Petco donations - legalized scam in the name of adopting animals

We own two small dogs and as a result have to visit pet stores in the area in order to stock up on pet food, toys and other items.

A few days ago I've stopped by to get some food for the upcoming week and was asked at the checkout if I wanted to contribute $.99 for their adoption program. Now, just like many other people, I consider pet adoption programs extremely important and helpful as otherwise many of these wonderful creatures would be put down. So of course I've agreed to contribute this small amount to the "Adoption program". I've paid for the food and was about to step out of the store, but before I did so, I've asked the teller a question - "What is your pet adoption program and how is the money spent?". The response shocked me. The money donated to Petco for their "Adoption program" pays for one tennis ball that is given to people who adopt a dog or cat through Petco. You see, you don't actually contribute money to pay to get them out of a shelter, for veterinarian to check them out, to get the shoots, to get anti-flea treatment, to buy food for homeless animals or to keep them in the shelters just a bit longer before they are put down. You are buying a tennis ball from Petco and that's how your money is spent. Not only does the Petco make money by helping people adopt animals simply so they now become customers and buy food, toys, accessories, etc, but they also use the claim of having Animal Adoption program to sell you tennis balls.

I found this very disturbing and needless to say, I won't contribute to their program any more. Instead the money will be given to a no-kill shelter or Humane Society to be used for animal medical services.