Why a Re-Homing or Adoption Fee is Necessary for Pet Adoptions
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There are a lot of websites that let people post ads for pets they're trying to re-home. For whatever reason, these people are no longer able to care for their pets or are no longer willing to keep them and must find them new homes. Spend some time browsing these ads and you'll see that most people will ask for an adoption fee - and that just doesn't sit right for some of the prospective new families!
However, offering a pet "free to a good home", even with good intentions, is not the right thing to do when rehoming a pet. And for people looking to adopt a new pet, there are many reasons why a rehoming fee should be charged for the best interests of the pet.
Arguments Against an Adoption Fee
"If you're just going to put your pet down or bring it to the shelter, why would you charge someone a fee to take it home? You'd rather see your pet die than give it away free?"
This comment, or some variation of it, is often seen on forums that allow pet ads. The reasoning is that the pet is no longer wanted, so why not give it to someone who does want it and would give it a good home?
Many people feel that it's unethical to charge an adoption fee for an animal that's homeless (or soon to be homeless). The fee implies that the person is "in it for the money", rather than being concerned that his pet goes to the best possible home.
"That's not an adoption fee, you're selling your pet!"
Another common concern is a "high" adoption fee. Some people believe that a small fee of $20 or $50 is more acceptable than one that's $200, for example. The higher the fee, the more likely readers are to believe that the person re-homing the pet is trying to make a profit - something that is often frowned upon, especially when it appears to be at the expense of the animal's true well-being.
Reasons FOR Charging an Adoption Fee
Most people are decent people. The sad reality though, is that some people are not - and charging an adoption fee helps to protect animals who need re-homing.
Here's an example... it's no secret that labs experiment on animals. It's also no secret that dog fighting rings still exist today, and use animals as "bait" to train their fighting dogs. Giving away a free animal makes them easy targets for this type of situation, where the animal's life has no monetary value. If you charge an adoption fee, it's less likely that someone will be able to turn around and sell the dog to a lab or as bait. It's less likely that it will be profitable for them, so they just won't bother.
Pet ownership is a privilege and requires a committed owner. "Free to a good home" ads encourage casual pet owners who don't take it seriously. Free pets can also end up abandoned, turned into animal shelters, neglected and ignored, re-sold to anyone who happens to walk by with a few bucks, or used for breeding if it hasn't already been spayed or neutered. There are many people who don't value what they get for free.
Sometimes you'll hear outcry that adoption fees discriminate against poor families who don't necessarily 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. It's true, families from all economic backgrounds are completely devoted to their pets and will care for them properly and with love.
Unfortunately, a free pet is often considered a disposable pet.
It is a devastating experience to have to give up a pet. In a perfect world, pets would have permanent homes. And of course, the goal is to try to make sure pets have loving and permanent homes! But sometimes life circumstances mean that a family can no longer care for its pets. Think of a family who is dealing with a severe or even terminal illness, and no longer has the time to give a pet the attention it deserves. That is only one example.
For families that are in this unfortunate situation, a meeting with a prospective new home and a couple of conversations helps to ease their minds that their pets are going to a good home - but they'll probably still worry. Having a pet is a very big financial responsibility. Beyond the usual food, grooming, and other day-to-day expenses, there are also regular vet check-ups and vaccines... and the significantly more costly vet visits for emergencies or illness. Remember, the pet owner doesn't know the potential new family - and a new family's willingness to pay an adoption fee helps to demonstrate that they're financially able and willing to provide proper care for the pet.
What Could Adoption Fees Be Used For?
Shelters and rescue organizations always charge an adoption fee. Most people don't seem to mind, in fact, they expect it. They know that rescues need to cover operating expenses, pet care, medical bills, and so forth.
Individual pet owners who charge a rehoming fee don't necessarily use it for anything - but they might also have expenses to cover too. For example, they might include a kennel, food dishes, toys, bedding, and other pet accessories when you adopt their pet. 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. Maybe the pet owner sprung an animal from the shelter because it was going to be euthanized, but they knew they couldn't keep it - so they pass on the adoption fee to the new owner once they find the pet a good, permanent home.
A Possible Compromise
One suggestion I've heard is to ask the potential adopter to make a donation to a local humane society or pet rescue organization. Ask the potential adopter to bring the receipt when he comes to pick up the pet. This way, the rescue benefits; the pet owner can feel more secure about who his pet's new home; and the new owner has done a good deed.
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Comments
Hi Whitney05, thanks for the comment. That's definitely a tough one, shelters charging different fees for different animals. I once talked to someone who worked at a shelter who did just that. Here's the way she explained it to me: some pets are more adoptable than others. There are some that will probably get homes no matter what (popular purebreds, for example), and then there are some that are overlooked for various reasons (older dogs, dogs that look "ugly" because they're just undergone surgery or are recovering from some physical condition). So what they do is charge more for the more adoptable dogs, and less for the dogs that are going to have more trouble finding homes. What they're trying to do is make it more appealing for someone to adopt dogs that are overlooked, or at least make people STOP and look at the "cheaper" dogs! Then hopefully the popular dogs still get homes, the less popular dogs have a better chance, and they still raise enough money to help cover their operating and medical expenses.
I have no idea if this variable-fee structure works but I like to think they have the dogs' best interests in mind.
Anyway, glad the dog in your story found a great home in the end! Thanks for chipping in.
thanks for posting both sides of the argument. i have honestly gotten every single one of my dogs off of craigslista and love them to death. I have paid the fees but realize how much money goes into the investment of a lifelong companion.
I love the last paragraph. That's a great idea!!!
I recently had to put my pet up for adoption. It turned out to be the worst possible scenario for several reasons. Bottom line is that the adoption went through a third party. I was not given all the facts nor was I allowed to meet the new owners prior to my dog being sent away. The trainer told me she never takes money and I should trust her to find the right home. I had a very difficut time with having to give away my baby and insisted several times to be allowed to speak with the new owner. We finally met because they needed me to sign his akc paper so she could show him in agilitiy. it didnt go well and the woman and I exchanged some unpleasant emails. 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. I have to let this go but I have some thoughts to share. Owning a pet is a lifetime committment, consider resue and adoption first, when circumstances come up that force you to find a new home for your dog try and do it yourself if possible. This way you will know where your pet is going and be comfortabe with their new home and have a say. GOD Bless everyone involved in the pet world.
Thank you for writing this article. We just posted a video entitled, "What You Should Know Before You Post Your Pet Free To Good Home" It was inspired by and features Shader, a little pit bull we rescued, who was obviously used as a bait dog. It is a sad truth that there are bad people out there looking for free animals for nefarious purposes. Please be wary. ~ Pet Rescue By Judy, Sanford, Florida
"Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative". M. Siegal
Very good hub, thanks for sharing!
Why a Rigorous Adoption Procedure (Including Fee) is Necessary for Pet Adoptions
I've been active in organized pet rescue, foster, and adoptions for several years. All the 501(c)(3) groups I work with have very similar adoption procedures and requirements.
After a person or family express interest in adopting a particular animal, they then go through:
* An informal interview.
* Complete and sign a two-page adoption application questionnaire. (I then have their written responses reviewed for red flags by multiple experienced foster folks.)
* A follow up interview to discuss questionnaire responses.
* Optional interview with their Vet & landlord.
* Optional pre-adoption in home evaluation visit.
* Complete and sign a one-page terms of adoption agreement.
* Pay a significant standardized adoption fee.
* At least two follow up contacts (by phone, email, or in person) to verify adoption is going well.
I reject about 50% of applicants by the time they've completed the application and interviews.
Sound harsh, excessive, and paranoid? Even after all that, I have about 25% failed adoptions. That is, animals returned within a year. There are a lot more people who want pets than are prepared to take good care of them.
-- Sailin Cat
i think the adoption process is a little over done. i wanted a kitten to i thought i get one from the shelter. it wasnt the 150 dollar adoption fee that turned me off, it was this whole process. interviews, check you house, references, the whole nine yards, like you were adopting a human baby. Look at Sailin Cat procedure for adoption.
i went on craigs and paid the rehoming fee and that was it.
Hi Gil... there's a very good reason for the adoption processes. Yes, I think they can sometimes get too "paranoid" (for lack of a better word) but in general they are there to ensure that the pet gets a home that actually wants the animal and is capable of caring for the animal.
For example, lots of people want cute little puppies or kittens without knowing how much work is actually involved. Once those babies grow up and end up needing training and WORK, many of them end up back at the shelter. Or how about the people who try to sneak pets into "no pet" housing? Then the landlord finds out and they have to get rid of the pet. Or the person who likes the "look" of a certain dog but doesn't know much about the breed. 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. 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. Too many animals are turned into shelters and rescues because they became too much trouble, an inconvenience, they grew up and weren't as cute anymore, or someone in the family didn't want the pet to begin with.
I am a strong believer that high adoption fees cause a majority of folks NOT to adopt a pet, but rather buy from a breeder. I have wanted a new family for a while since our last boston terrier past away. However, a breeder will charge me between $100-$500, depending on the market if selling or not. But an adoption, I am getting an older family member but no less than $250-500. Let's face it majority of normal folks would pay less for a puppy then can train than spend twice as much for a older pet that temperament is unknown. So, I totally disagree with rescue organizations that charge over $100. I refuse to adopt from Boston Terrier Rescue, they charge no less than $350. Yes, there is the costs of surgeries, healing, etc. But that should be donations, not a "donated adoption fee of $350 or so." I am also in the military and have traveled all through Europe and the US with our four legged family members. So, charging a high adoption fee, I truly believe backfires on adopting versus paying breeders.
Hi Peter. I can see where you're coming from, but I've seen it from "the other side" of working at a shelter. 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. Shelters and rescues are non-profit organizations and they subsidize the cost of caring for the animal. Depending on the organization, adoption fees can include a health check upon arrival; vaccines and/or deworming and/or other medications, as needed; rehabilitating sick or ill animals; socializing timid or shy animals to give them a better chance of adoption; providing spay/neuter surgery (which some owners may not do if left to their own devices); microchip and/or tattoo and/or license; information on caring for the pet, including help after the adoption; subsidized or low-cost training/obedience classes; and goodness knows what other extras. The adoption fee is often far less than the actual cost of all of this stuff.
Puppies are super cute of course, but there are lots of people who prefer adult dogs. 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). Puppies are a LOT of work, time and expense. Far too often, once a cute little puppy grows up, it is surrendered to a shelter because it matured into something the adopter wasn't expecting or couldn't handle.
Thanks for adding your comments.
There is one reason people charge an adoption fee on places like craiglist, to make money and get around the rule that you are prohibited from selling animals. All you have to do to make sure your animal isn't going to a lab or such is require people to show ID, and give you there address. Most dogs are not suitable for dogfights. A small 25-50 dollar donation is not a bad idea but most people on craigslist won't do it because what they want is money for their animal. thanks
Hi Allan. Thanks for commenting. I won't comment specifically about Craigslist, but I would like to comment that people who are planning to do something nefarious with a pet aren't likely to show you valid ID or address. Also, dogs aren't necessarily being used as "fighting dogs", but as "bait" for the fighting dogs.
As for the adoption fee, everyone has a limit on how much they think is reasonable. Like mentioned in the hub, perhaps a good compromise would be to ask the adopter to make the donation to an animal rescue and bring the receipt instead.
Whitney05 says:
2 years ago
I think adoption fees work well. If the perspecitive pet parent is willing to bring this new life into theyir home, they should be so willing as to pay the fee. The ng I have a problem with is when there's a shelter that varies their adoption fee.
Example- there's a shelter in my area that has one fee for small dogs, one fee for average mix breeds, one fee for pretty mixbreeds, one fee for older dogs, and an unbelievably high feed for purebred dogs. Much less, if they purebred has papers. I've seen them charge over $300 for a dog. One time, they even made up papers for a schnauzer. The schnauzer had previously been adopted without papers, but when they tried to readopt her, she all of a sudden had papers. The lady I was volunteering for at the time adopted her bc they were stressing her out (she was blind and had her in the middle of the petsmart adoption area). Anyway, they told her they wouldn't let her have the dog unless when she readopted it out they got half the fee she charged. She told them that was fine as long as they paid half the medical bills she was going to put forth. They opted not to, and jsut adopted her the dog.
Anyway, the dog found a great home. The reason this lady put up a fight was because she volunteered when the dog was brought in and adopted the first time. But, since had created her own shelter.