Adopting a rescue dog can be a life-changing experience for both the dog and the owner. However, some potential adopters may be put off by the adoption fee, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. In this blog post, we will discuss why there is an adoption fee when adopting a rescue dog and what it covers, as well as how it compares to the fee for a purebred puppy.
Why is there an adoption fee for rescue dogs?
The adoption fee for a rescue dog is not just a random amount. It is carefully calculated to cover the costs associated with rescuing, caring for, and rehoming the dog.
These costs include:
- Medical expenses: Many rescue dogs come with a history of neglect or abuse, which often means they require medical attention. The adoption fee helps cover the cost of vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and any necessary medical treatment.
- Shelter expenses: Rescue organisations often house their dogs in shelters or foster homes, which can be costly. The adoption fee helps cover the cost of food, shelter, and utilities.
- Behavioural training: Many rescue dogs have behavioural issues that require training. The adoption fee helps cover the cost of hiring a professional dog trainer to work with the dog.
- Administrative expenses: Rescue organisations have administrative expenses such as staff salaries (although a lot of the people work also for free on a volunteering basis and do a lot of things in their free time! Unpaid!), office rent, and legal fees. The adoption fee helps cover these expenses.
How does the adoption fee compare to the fee for a purebred puppy?
The cost of a purebred puppy can vary widely depending on the breed and where you purchase it. Some pet stores and puppy mills charge several thousand dollars for a purebred puppy, while reputable breeders may charge several hundred dollars. However, the cost of a purebred puppy does not include the same expenses that the adoption fee covers. In fact, many breeders do not provide any of the medical care or training that rescue organisations provide. And you DO NOT want to provide puppy mills, backyard breeders, pet shop puppies etc. The dogs are held in appalling conditions and there are no health checks etc. they are money making machines at the expense of dogs. The focus is to make money, so quantity over quality, severe genetic defects, health issues, behavioural issues etc are common. The puppies are often sick (here’s an exempt from the ASPCA article Not What I Expected: My Sick Pet Store Puppy. “…about $10,000 in vet bills, Boston is finally getting better.”), too early taken from their mothers and more.
For more: Human Society Puppy Mill stats and video | The Humane Society of the United Stated states that 500,000 Dogs are kept solely for breeding purposes in all puppy mills and 2.6 Million Puppies are sold each year after originating from a puppy mill. Whilst also “millions of unwanted dogs and cats (including purebreds) dying every year in animal shelters” (source Peta and others).
Rolling Stones: The Dog Factory: Inside the Sickening World of Puppy Mills
Moreover, adopting a rescue dog has the added benefit of supporting a cause you believe in. By paying an adoption fee, you are helping to fund the rescue and rehabilitation of more dogs in need. You are also helping to reduce the demand for puppy mills and irresponsible breeding practices that contribute to the pet overpopulation problem.
In conclusion, the adoption fee for a rescue dog is a small investment that pays off in countless ways. Not only are you providing a loving home for a dog in need, but you are also supporting a worthy cause and helping to reduce the demand for puppy mills.
So, the next time you consider adopting a dog, don’t let the adoption fee deter you.
Remember, the fee is just a small price to pay for a lifetime of love and companionship.
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