I rescued a cat off of the highway with intentions of finding a good home, the cat was pregnant so I ended up letting her stay, now my question is, is it okay to ask for a rehoming fee for the kittens? Here's the way she explained it to me: some pets are more adoptable than others. There are many people who don't value what they get for free. I was that exasperated by how his behavior has deteriorated in the three months I've been non-weight-bearing since he ran into me and broke my ankle. I was looking to adopt a rescued Cavalier King Charles puppy from a shelter that rescues from puppy mills. You would like to think that people who are looking to adopt a dog or cat are doing so out of the goodness of their heart. Rehoming fees are actually beneficial to the animal's well-being. free pets are often considered disposable. I know there is a few people out there that don't want strangers to visit their home, or showing their ID's, but you can get it done in proper manner way, such as set up a date & time that you will have more people in your house for a home visit, like your brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, etc.. And if the owners want to see ID's or some types of document, you should have the right to see their too. It would be nice to believe that everyone is going to think things through and give the pet a proper home, but evidence shows that's not true. While "high" adoption fees may discourage a few people from adopting from a rescue or a shelter, it is not an issue with many others. Make a contract that allows you to monetary recourse in the event the animal suddenly disappears. Cats and kittens are about $90. If you don't sell the dog to rehome it at a large fee it will end up in dangerous situation like labs experiment on them, lie there are laws against that now and frankly its a scare tactic. Animal shelters get a lot of donations. @Selma High adoption fees are definitely a deterrent for many people. My wife and I fostered pit bulls for a few years, the rescue group we were with would charge around $75, pretty much just to weed out impulse adopters who would only have a passing interest. When the adoption fee is $50 or 100, or sometimes even more, the rescue can sometimes convince the person not to rehome the dog this way, and relinquish. ^_^. People like the disabled and elderly who can be with the animals all the time, and provide a better home than someone gone working all the time. I am willing to pay the fee to show that I am a responsible pet owner and will care for the pet's needs until death do us part. I agree. However, the sad reality is that some people are notand charging an adoption fee helps to protect animals who need rehoming. If a person gets a pet for free, this pet may not have any tangible value. I rescued feral kittens from my back yard, went through all the trouble of capturing them, housing them separate from my other cats, potty training them, socializing them, and bringing both of them to the vet for deworming, shots, testing for diseases etc. Still dealing with theitchies Now I have to move onto training or Jake will be looking for a new home. $600 is a sale. Anyway, glad the dog in your story found a great home in the end! Adult dogs are often "what you see is what you get" you know how big they're going to get, you can get a good feel for their temperament (especially if the shelter staff has gotten to know them), you know what they look like and how long their fur is, etc (which might seem trivial but is not, when you consider how much grooming, for example, might be required). This article wasn't meant to address the best things you can do to get your dog adopted, only to offer reasons why an adoption fee could be a better idea than giving away a pet for free. The 14-year-old came from a shelter and the fee was $35. That is outrageous!! The couple who have had him for 8 years are expecting a baby, and they're anxious about managing Lenny's anxiety around all the new people that will be coming into their home after the baby is born. I happened to come across this blog/board while looking up rehoming fees. To me that's wrong. I learned about feeding and tummy issues from Karenand got Jake through the worms, the diet changes etc. I wasn't charged an adoption fee, and couldn't have afforded much of one. Also, dogs aren't necessarily being used as "fighting dogs", but as "bait" for the fighting dogs. I really like the idea of a donation to a shelter vs a fee. What's a reasonable adoption fee? Fourteen years later, the next magnificent creature came from the same shelter with a $50 fee. I have a 1 yrs old male pit bull who is amazing with kids and i need to find him a good home due to I'm moving around a lot for work its not a good look for me to have a dog that needs more attention then i have right now so if you are looking for a loving dog u can email me at ebonyjlove92@gmail.com thank you look forward to here from you. I agree with the last statement im in the navy and i have never had a dog but my husband has and he stays home with my kids. They offer senior citizens discounts all the time. Many factors could cause variances in the amount of the rehoming fee. This does nothing to ensure proper placement of a pet. These parasites are contagious and you had better be careful because some of these parasites can be transferred to the humans in the house. Either way, I don't really see a problem as long as the price is not excessive. ThePepperDen from Australia on January 20, 2011: This is a fantastic hub- I've linked to it twice in one of my hubs. in the meantime i found out about this rehoming fee which is usually charged and the owner admitted she paid it to the trainer for fees I supposedly owed her. Let's face it majority of normal folks would pay less for a puppy then can train than spend twice as much for an older pet that temperament is unknown. Nothing better than a few bucks to ease the pain of selling your pet, right? is probably not reputable. ABSOLUTELY in an ideal world, everyone would conscientiously interview potential new owners to find the right home for their pets. I know the cost of taking care of an injured or sick dog, my husky had epilepsy. After all, if someone needs to give up their dog, shouldn't they just be happy that someone wants to adopt? What is the dogs names like can I have him like if I can will u bring him to me. Some places require a home invasion before they adopt out their dog. Breeders generally give you a one-year health guarantee. Shelters and rescue organizations always charge an adoption fee. Generally, they'll be from $50 to $150 or so. Why do you feel you're entitled a free companion that you're getting because you want one. edit: Thank you for all the feedback. Learn more. If you don't like re-homing fees, get over it. This comment, or some variation of it, is often seen on forums that allow pet ads. I believe that a re-homing/adoption fee up to around $300 may be necessary but I feel that the amount that this shelter wanted was over the top. I'd rather proof of that than even fifty bucks in someone's pocket for "rehoming" their responsibility. But, since had created her own shelter. They are generally more concerned with getting the cash than they are about the animal's health and welfare. Remember, when rehoming your pet ask the right questions. Is there anyone in the Seattle area looking for a stunning Golden? I'm totally against fees. Don't charge me because you kept your pets shots utd. If it is such a financial burden, find something else to do. It would definitely put a lot of potential loving owners off. Maybe the pet owner sprung an animal from the shelter because it was going to be euthanized, but they knew they couldn't keep itso they pass on the adoption fee to the new owner once they find the pet a good, permanent home. I realize that this post is somewhat old. You can not judge a people just because they are unable to pay a rehoming fee or a very high adoption fee. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. But due go pet fees and adoption fees the people have a very hard time find a pet or finding a replacement pet for one that passed away after being part of the family for 10+ years like mine that pet died from cancer. Anyway, the dog found a great home. It may enhance adoption rates, when the people that would otherwise get a "free to a good home" cat adopt a shelter cat instead. No one is saying fees are bad, just too high! He'll give you the song & dance about "if you cannot afford $600 then you won't be able to take care of a dog". Or maybe they want to use the fee to help cover a spay/neuter surgery before they let their pet go to a new home. This fee does not include the cat-licensing fee, which is $5 (spayed or neutered cat rate) for cats residing in all county unincorporated areas and several cities serviced by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control. The schnauzer had previously been adopted without papers, but when they tried to readopt her, she all of a sudden had papers. * Pay a significant standardized adoption fee. First, they serve to protect the dogs for the reasons mentioned above. By continuing to browse this network, you agree to the use of cookies. It's also no secret that dog fighting rings still exist today, and use animals as "bait" to train their fighting dogs. They've had the pet and decided, for what ever reason, they can no longer maintain it. There is NO reason the new owner should compensate you for expenses you had during your companionship with the animal. I've seen plenty with adoption fees however. People need to understand shelters and rescue ooerations are subsidized businesses but businesses they are, most with the ideological bent that the animals are more important than the humans. So, charging a high adoption fee, I truly believe backfires on adopting versus paying breeders. Here's an example it's no secret that labs experiment on animals. He was missing a small chunk from his ear and had numerous scars on his paws and even had part of his tail chewed off. You cannot punish all potential pet owners for the actions of a few. I paid a rehoming fee for my cat, but the previous owner did provide the vets bill that was covering. Please check your browser settings or contact your system administrator. I would ask just so that I could see that the person was serious about making a commitment to adopting the animal (and not just someone looking to get a free dog to use in baiting fighting dogs). Sometimes, they are looking for free dogs they can sell to labs. The trainer told me she never takes money and I should trust her to find the right home. The argument of that the foster spent a lot of money is valid, but then fosters may be clear and ask for the maintenance cost rather than an adoption fee. I would NEVER pay someone for abandoning their pet, because I think that sort of thing encourages irresponsible pet ownership. Whitney from Georgia on February 09, 2008: I think adoption fees work well. The adoption fee is often far less than the actual cost of all of this stuff. Hi Allan. Worst case scenario are people (shouldn't even be called that) who pick up "free to good home" animals to use in dog fights as bait, or worse. Craigslist rules state-"no animal sales or breeding -- rehoming with small adoption fee is ok". * Complete and sign a one-page terms of adoption agreement. That's just a rationalization for greed, thinking you deserve to be compensated for what you've already spent on the animal (you don't), and not having the right priorities as a seller. Our dedicated team of experts is here to support you The batchers who sell to the labs don't care what kind of dog it is, they just need cheap dogs. I'm sure there are legitimate people on craigslist and other sites trying to find good homes for animals, but I don't think they'll be charging $600 for rehoming, and they'll (hopefully) want to vet you as a good pet owner with lots of questions and maybe even a home visit. . This way you will know where your pet is going and be comfortabe with their new home and have a say. That pet has a right just as much as we do and a cage is not their best choice at a home. My suggestion, rehome fee is a must, but should be between $50-$200 depending on your location and breed/age/health of the dogs, and the most important is a home-visit. High re-homing fees, equivalent to or higher than the cost of an unpaper puppy, give the rescue community a bad name, and rightfully so. Beyond the usual food, grooming, and other day-to-day expenses, there are also regular vet check-ups and vaccines . Seriously, I saw a dog that I was interested in. My wife and I are in our 60's and live on a limited income in. I have rehomed a number of animals at a reasonable price and they were with me for many years and those others rehomed had the same experience. In the mean-time, I had already purchased toys, supplies, and books and watched Animal planet and Natural Geographic whenever any dog related show popped up. I am also in the military and have traveled all through Europe and the US with our four legged family members. As for the adoption fee, everyone has a limit on how much they think is reasonable. 2.) Sometimes you'll hear outcry that adoption fees discriminate against poor families who don't have the money to pay the adoption fee, but who will do whatever is necessary to make sure their new pet is happy and healthy, including bringing the pet in for medical care whenever it's needed. Receiving money is neither an effective nor logical part of this process - my SOLE interest would be in finding my darling girl a marvelous home. I'd buy it in a heart beat. I don't know howthis humanshould go about rehoming this gorgeous girl but I don't think Craigslist is the safest way. The adoption fee is $325.00. I know that horses and dogs are not the same. Or the person who gives a pet as a gift to friend or family member who doesn't actually want a pet Those are just a few reasons why there are processes in place during an adoption. Look at Sailin Cat procedure for adoption. So why would he charge a fee to someone who is willing to take the pet? What's the difference between selling a dog for $350 and rehoming the same dog for $350? Scare tactics. Far more effective than asking someone to cough up $75, and less likely to encourage people to buy another pet they might abandon. (I then have their written responses reviewed for red flags by multiple experienced foster folks.). How will you be able to afford monthly heartworm/flea/tick treatments and food??? I have wanted a new family for a while since our last boston terrier past away. In addition, many of these groups require you to bring your dog to the event and while this seems like a good idea, some dogs are likely to be overwhelmed and they cannot put their best paw forward at a crowded event. I think the two parties should donate money to their local animal shelter as a way to compromise. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The last paragraph is a reasonable way to request a "rehoming fee." Just playing devils advocate here: If I were to some bad acts to a critter or even have dog fights. You need to be a member of Doodle Kisses to add comments! maybe not in america and uk where I live now, but in my country of origin - slovakia pet houses are full and when somebody comes and takes the poor animal home theyre just happy and give it to the person without any ceremonies. If it's not about profit or cutting losses why would the previous owners take the money? FinallyVeterinarians Admit Metronidazole (Flagyl) Should Not Be Given For Diarrhea. They cherry pick from shelters, animal control and the like. I think it removes a lot of people who love pets and need them. I disagree with a large rehoming fee. People will spend $2500 for a puppy from a breeder, most will not spend it for an adult dog. Serena Zehlius from Hanover, PA on March 14, 2011: Excellent topic! In my attempts to adopt a new one I have been really put off by the adoption process. Giving animals away for free makes them easy targets for this type of situation, where the animal's life has no monetary value. As for leaving pets with rescues or shelters - that is not always an option, as rescues and shelters are perpetually full. They know that rescues need to cover operating expenses, pet care, medical bills, and so forth. Here's an example: It's no secret that labs experiment on animals. "Free to a good home" ads encourage casual pet owners who don't take it seriously. Great lens, I really appreciate this article. Or maybe come up with a method of escrow or deposit or collateral that can be held somehow and then returned or after a probationary period. So what I want to say is - HUUUUGE number of animals in shelters didnt get owner because when they read that they have to come two times and pay a fee to get the pet they just decide not to go. This article is biased towards putting the entire onus on the potential new owner. A re-homing fee of $600 is obviously a sale. In a few cases I've even given the money back to the person after they paid the fee and signed the adoption agreement and told them to go to Petco and go spoil their new baby. It's entitled and repulsive to expect the new owner to give you money to partially compensate you for the heavy expense of this or that - sorry, that's what it means to own a dog. Great news on the Great Life. I have so much to learn about goldendoodles and dog ownership. I love the last paragraph. For families that are in an unfortunate situation, meeting with an animal's prospective new owners helps to ease their minds that their pets are going to a good homebut they'll probably still worry. Thank you for sharing this great and much needed info! I meant those words. Let's hope. I can see where you're coming from, but I've seen it from "the other side" of working at a shelter. I'm a devoted pet owner who shares her home with four happy animals. Rehoming fees are bullshit it is a way around selling your animal online that is all there is to it. If you have any suggestions I will try and contact her with options. if you love your animal charging money to make sure it goes to a good home is unnecessary. Press J to jump to the feed. If you like a good comedy watch Modern family episode Bringing up a Baby - theyre making fun of cat adoption exactly how I see it and how it is here in UK looks like US the same. There are many times I go to the persons some, bringing the cat with me so I can see for myself how the family and cat interact with one another and then as I have always done the cat and I say good bye to the family and tell them to come and pick the cat up tomorrow. I still worry that I am missing something since it's not on the list. Today he is a beautiful tuxedo and has grown into his little body and huge feet- hes part of a forever family along with his older sister whos 20 and my service dog who is one. I didn't want to be rude, in case the little guy doesn't get a home and the guy gets desperate or something- but I really wanted to just say, "Either advertise that it's for sale, or admit you need help and I'll work with you." I've been fostering to Little Chihuahua girls for a very long time and I finally found a good home for them. Every animal I have had lived with me until the end of their time here on earth. If you have a bad feeling, listen to it. Most of the posts with extremely high prices get reported or flagged for removal because everyone knows what's really going on. You can't "sell" pets on craigslist, but you can charge a rehoming fee when trying to get your pet "adopted". Animal cruelty and abuse will continue same with human cruelty and abuses. A lot of pets will sit in shelters because they want a $300.00 adoption fee, for that I could go to a breeder and get a brand new puppy. Spay/Neuter your animal. That completely defeats the purpose. An option that worked for me is one I didn't see in the discussion above: careful screening of the prospective new adopter by the current dog-parent(s), and vice-versa. i.e. Ask the potential adopter to bring the receipt when he comes to pick up the pet. I'm doing them a favor by giving the animal a new home. The family that did not charge me a fee just wanted to get rid of the dog as quickly as possible, and quite obviously did not care about her wellbeing (to provide some contrast, the family that charged me the adoption fee sent loads of toys and supplies with their puppy, and were very visibly upset to see her gowhile the family that didn't charge me a fee did not even own a leash for their dog.) I'm glad to hear that the dog has a home, I hope that the new owners are committed to keeping him for life and he doesn't end up being passed from home to home. Shelters and rescues are non-profit organizations and they subsidize the cost of caring for the animal. Thank you so much for this post on rehoming fees. Have a good picture of your pet, a good description and ask for a rehoming fee.