One of my readers wrote to tell me that in her area the local shelters offer a BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) offer for anyone adopting an animal.

This means that when you adopt a pet from the shelter that you can get another one without any additional fees.

Now you might feel that this is a good deal–which it is considering some of the adoption fees these days.

But, what kind of picture is being set up about the animals and our relationship with them?

Yes, animals are considered pets or family members by most of the people I know.

However, in some circles they are commodities –and the BOGO mindset reminds me simply of stores trying to move inventory–which is probably also true of shelters.

But the subliminal message?

Not that animals are valuable but that they are a commodity–and can be picked up during this bargain period.

Does that create value in the mind of the buyer?

I understand the marketing idea behind it but is it a good one?

What do you think about BOGO Pets?