Why does the Humane Society charge so much for pet adoptions?

Question

I understand part of it for the shots and things but certain breeds of dogs and cats are outrageously priced. Why?

Answer 1

"Shots and things" hardly covers it. They have to maintain an actual building, with utilities. They have to pay staff and provide benefits, they have to buy and maintain collection vehicles and provide equipment for their catchers. They have to pay for training of personnel. They have to FEED all those animals, and yes, they have to pay the associated expense of euthanizing some of them, and disposing of the resulting dead animals. They also do a certain amount of background checking on prospective pet owners, which is a very expensive process.

Your local humane society is a pretty complex organization. Running it ain't cheap, and a lot of the price of Fido's upkeep goes on his pricetag. There's the added factor that once they let you adopt a pet, they don't want to see that pet come back, so the high price is part of the process they use to see if you're really serious about having a pet.

Compare the humane society's prices with your local pet store's and those of puppy mills and you'll see that they're really pretty reasonable.

Answer 2

Well upkeep annually on any dog is over $1000. Perhaps you should reconsider pet ownership, especially if you are on a fixed income. $300 is a bargain. Call up a local vet and ask what a completely vetted dog costs; worming, shots, etc. Ask what a spay or neuter runs. Humane Societies and rescues get discounts, but nothing is free. If you have to treat a dog for heartworm, it's at least $300. An ACL repair runs at least $1000. Another rescue did a liver shunt on a Yorkie puppy for $3000.

Answer 3

Good answer Bozema...

Ive adopted many shelter animals. The fees I have paid, was to get a certificate to go the the vet to get spayed when old enough.

I dont think it cost much more at a shelter than if you go buy a $200 dog and take it to the vet for shots, spay, worming, etc.

From my experience, it costs about the same either way. This may depend on where you live though.

But, my thought is, this puppy has a loving caring home, and the money isnt a issue. If it is, then you probably dont need a dog!

Answer 4

If someone cannot afford the price of the adoption fees, then they cannot afford to properly take care of a dog in the first place. The Humane Society works on donations, and the adoption fees to house, treat (Shots, flea treatments, etc.) and feed the animals. They need money in order to do all of this so people have healthy pets to adopt. When you go to a pound you really don't know what you are getting, or if the dog will be safe around your child, or if they have had their shots. It is better to pay their fees.

Answer 5

To keep those persons who are not serious about adopting a pet and caring for them from getting one. Many people adopt one on a whim, then abandon or cruelly neglect the animal. In addition, adopting a pet is similar to adopting a child. IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD THE ADOPTION FEE, YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO PROPERLY CARE FOR THE CHILD OR PET.

How many times do we see people on this site asking for home remedies because they don't want to do the right thing and get their pet necessary professional medical care?! Pets have a right to proper medical treatment and by not doing so one can be cited by Animal Control for cruelty and neglect. Remember, neglect is abuse too.

Also, Humane Societies have bills to pay just like everyone else. The adoption fees help to offset some of the costs incurred by thoughtless and irresponsible people who allow their dogs and cats to breed, then dump the litters.

Answer 6

It is really expensive to keep a humane society operating. You have to pay a vet for spay/neuter surgeries, pay staff, maintain the building and facilities (our commerical washer just broke - that cost us $2,000 to replace - we use it to wash dog beds and all the cleaning towels), feed animals and on and on. We charge an adoption fee but never covers the average cost of maintaining the animal. We don't make any money on adoptions - our funds come from fundraisers and donations from members and supporters. Even with that, we often run at a deficit.

We also want to charge something so we know the potential adopter values the animal. We charge $60-$100 for adoptions depending on the animal.

Answer 7

They only charge as much as they have to. They can charge more for pure breed and younger animals because there is more demand for them. Supply and demand.
Trust me I've volunteered for them for years and the people that work there want nothing more than to find GOOD homes for these animals. You have no idea how hard it is to work there. To love animals as much as they do but not be able to save every single one. Also if you can't afford the 100 for the adoption they know that you'll not be able to pay for future shots, vet care, licensing and food. If anyone could walk in and get a free puppy, think of how many pets would be mistreated and neglected.

Answer 8

First of all, they do cover neutering, and vet treatments (VERY PRICEY), and general care-food, kenneling, etc. They also usually charge more for puppies because they are harder to care for, and many pure-breds are generally THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS! five hundred buck shouldnt be that hard to cope with once you get a lifelong friend. Basically, the charity needs to keep running or those pets wont have a good home.

Charlotte

Answer 9

In most cases, the cost you pay covers the adoption cost plus the fee to get the animal spayed/neutered, along with shots. Go price spaying/neutering costs at your local vet, and you will see that the price (in most cases) is really quite reasonable.

Answer 10

I honestly don't think that it is out of hand considering the fact that they take in hundreds of animals every year that they have to feed, shelter vacinate and spay/neuter. They also have to have a way to support all thier programs as they are a non profit organizaiton