What would you charge?

Question

I have a litter of pups and in about 6 weeks they will be ready to go . They are a severely mixed breed of mutts, but cute as a button just the same. Yes, that this was an entirely accidental breeding because I have paperwork from the humane society in another state stating my dog had been spayed. Okay onto my question. I have no worries about finding homes for the 11 out of 12 pups I will be getting rid of, BUT I have worries on whether the homes will be good ones. I have been told by serval people the best way to ensure finding a good home is to sell the pups. I might be the only one having trouble with this, I just can’t really see charging for mixed breed pups.
They have cost me quite a bit of time and money in taking care of them and I have come to terms with selling them as being the best option. Now the question is how much do I charge?
I have been having to hand feed the pups and the food along with bottles so far has cost me just under $70 and is expected to be another $50 soon. I will be giving them their first shots before they go an with doing it myself it will cost roughly $10 per pup. So with that an the food I will be buying once they can eat regular food I can say each pup will end up costing me about $25 to $30 in the end. Is charging someone $30 for a pup enough to ensure they are going to a good home and that they can afford to buy them food, make sure they have them fixed an keep current on their shots? I was thinking that if I should charge over that amount that I could donate anything above and beyond the out of pocket expense to the local animal shelter or even put it into a gift certificate to a local vet and give it back to the new owner as going towards having the pup spayed or neutered. What would you say would be appropriate? How much?Any things I should look out for as I am having people some to look at these pups?

Answer 1

I applaud you for wanting to look after your pups and making sure they go to good homes! I like your ideas of donations too. that's a neat idea! The cash back or gift card to get them fixed is also awsome! Not many people would think of that!

First off, I know mutts are the best kind of dog to have. They don't have the possible inbreeding and bad bloodlines that purebreds can have. I have had one purebred and I will never have another. Mutts are much more unique also!

Second, I can't see paying a couple hundred for a mutt. (I'd never pay a couple grand for a purebred either!) Maybe you should charge something around $50-75, and make sure these people who buy them know you have the right to refuse any offer if you wish. Ask MANY questions. Find out what kinds of pets they already have, how many kids (if any), fenced in yard, Crate training, active or lazy lifestyle, etc. Contracts aren't a bad idea either. Maybe with a "home visit" and no charge return clause.

How about this - $100 with a $25 giftcard to the local pet store or vet - AND $10 from each pup goes to the shelter. That would mean you'd get a total of $65 for each pup after all is said and done.

People LOVE to get a great deal. The card would be an awsome insentive to anyone. And top that off with part of the procedes helping other dogs, and you have yourself an amazing deal!

Also, you can't always judge a person on their appearance. Some people may be the greatest dog owner possible, but have ratty clothes. I myself prefer to wear my old jeans and tees, holey or not! I may not be rich, but nor do I buy for myself. My family (especially my new pup right now!) come before me. It's just the loving and generous kind of person I am. Rich folks aren't always the best pet owners either. Just because he drives a spiffed out esclade, doesn't mean he'll be at home with the dog all the time. In fact, if you have a rich workaholic show up on your doorstep, it wouldn't be wise to sell to them, unless they have a spouse at home all the time.

Think on it for a little while. Ask the people you have lined up for the pups thus far what they think of your price and/or giftcard deal. Get some feedback and see where it takes you. And good luck with the pups!

;o)

Answer 2

I also cannot imagine paying for a mixed breed animal when there are 'free to good homes' pets all over the place. Further, just because people pay something for the dog does NOT ensure it's a good home. If you're really interested in a good home for your dogs, do what rescues do, interview the person, have them fill out an application, insist on a home visit and get references and check them. Only then, by doing the leg work can you be *fairly* sure that you're getting a good home. Even then, things can go wrong but at least you know you did everything you could. Also, you can insist on a contract being signed that if they have to give up the dog for any reason or if you have information that they may be treating the dog in a cruel manner, that they must give the dog back to you at no charge.

Answer 3

I'd charge around what a shelter charges. I see no problems with you asking for $125 for each dog. That will ensure they have the finances to take care of the dog. You could also then ask them to sign a spay/neuter contract, where after they get the dog altered and send you proof, they could receive $50 or so back. Make sure the people look well kept and appear to be taking care of themselves, b/c if they can't do that, then they can't take care of an animal. Be wary of youths trying to buy their first dog on their own or new couples who may soon be exptecting babies. Also depending on the size you think the puppies might reach may depend on whether they would be appropriate for elderly persons. Hope this was helpful.

Answer 4

By all means, charge for the pups, as you are selling them not "getting rid of them." When you charge you are mostly insured of getting people who give a darn about the health and welfare of the little sweeties. Mutts are the best dogs! A median price of $150.00 seems more than fair to me.

Also, have you considered putting all the pups up for adoption at your local shelter, first getting a great deal of information about the place, that it is a "no-kill" shelter and what they might charge you for the shots and spaying and neutering. Thankfully, most shelters screen people fairly well and animals go to loving homes.

Answer 5

*Never* give away puppies as "free to good home". Labs are always looking for more test subjects, and free puppies will end up there. Charging about $25 per pup will make them too expensive for a lab. As far as getting your money back for the care you gave them, you may never get that. Chalk it up to a learning experience and get that mother dog spayed!

Answer 6

I wouldn't charge anything, but instead have an "adoption" day at your house. Interview the families or people. Honestly you can't control what happens to them once they leave your house, but you can control who takes them. If you don't get a good vibe from the people. Tell them that you will be getting back to them. I would ask questions like, how much time a day they have to spend with them, where the puppies will live (indoor or outdoor) if they have small children that will be rough on them. Also, when the go, send a small piece of blanket that smells like the mama, so they aren't too sad. If possible try to adopt them in pairs. Thats what we did with my cats. Also, get the peoples numbers and tell them that you would like to stop by sometime and see how they are doing. Just make sure they are going to people who are relatively knowledgeable about dogs or animals. Good luck!

Answer 7

I think it is a good idea to charge to ensure the owners really want them! most decent people would be happy to pay something, i dont know how it works in the states but in uk most rescue places charge about £90 (sorry u will have to convert it!) regardless of wether they are pedigree/mongrel and this is for the same reason as u will be.
I think between £50 or £100 would be fine.

Answer 8

You dont call it selling..you call it an adoption fee. This covers some of your cost and shows that the person interested is serious about adopting. Also ask for a vet reference from potential adopters. I would work with a shelter that deals with petfinder. They will do some good screening of applicants.

Answer 9

Gee I think you will have trouble giving them away, much less charging for them. What part of the country do you live in? Here in Alabama, giving away 11 mongrel pups would be hard.

Answer 10

I think what you propose is reasonable. I am glad you care about the pups and want to try to get them good homes.