Are Rescue Adoption Fees Too High?
by Joan Freemo Every Rescuer has heard it. The argument that if we really cared about finding “Good Homes” we would give the dogs away. There are folks who will tell us they could go to a Pet shop and purchase a dog for just a little more then the adoption fee. So what is the adoption fee paying for? ARE RESCUE FEES TOO HIGH? The assumption that Rescue is a business, or that Rescuer’s make a profit from suffering could not be further from the truth. While not all Rescue Groups are created equally, regardless of the size or breed of dog you are looking for, most will ask for a donation to adopt ranging from $100 to $450. If a Rescue Group takes in a healthy pet that costs a minimal amount to make ready for adoption, the “profit” from that animal is applied to the vetting costs of the many others who are not as fortunate. When a dog comes into Rescue, funds must be spent on neutering/spaying, teeth cleaning (if needed), vaccinations, (Rabies, DHLPP, Bordatella), screening for Heart worms
