Why aren't rescue pets free?

This is a question that pops up frequently, and it’s easy to see why some people would think that because they are willing to adopt a homeless dog or cat, there should be no adoption fee.

Well, in a perfect world, it would be perfectly reasonable. But all rescue pets must be examined by a vet, vaccinated, microchipped, heartworm tested (for dogs) and desexed, not to mention the ongoing costs of food and flea and worming treatment whilst the pet is in care. The rescue group pays for all of this out of their own pocket, and rescue groups are generally run by volunteers. So, in order to make the rescue process sustainable, the rescue group needs to recoup these costs (at least in part) by charging an adoption fee.

In most instances, the adoption fee you pay covers the basic medical expenses incurred. However, if the pet received any extra medical treatment, it's likely that your adoption fee won’t cover these additional costs.

Adoption fees for dogs generally sit between $200 and $800. In some cases, dogs may be offered for a donation only or for a higher-than-average adoption fee if the pet is a popular breed or a puppy. If a rescue group can gain on the adoption fee in these instances, this allows them to cover the expenses of another pet that might need more extensive medical treatment over and above what the standard adoption fee would cover. Some pets may have had thousands spent on specialist medical treatment, yet they will be offered at a standard adoption fee.

Compare this to the going rate you’d pay for a puppy from a breeder, which averages between $3,000 and $6,000. On top of that, you still have to pay for vaccinations, microchipping and desexing. So, when you add it all up, rescue pets are a bargain!