Pet 'Adoption' Day (how much, new home, buying)

[poconosmama]

I've gotta say this really chaps my
Today at Greentown Agway as someone said the shelter is there with some dogs and cats. They have a nice selection, something for everyone looking. I looked at all the dogs, and chose a smaller one. 'How much are the dogs?'. 'O, they are all different prices'. The small one? $200!!
I had no idea the shelter was in the business of selling dogs. They wonder why they have so many and why people won't help, and it's things like that. I would have gladly taken him home for $100 or under, but for $200 they are out of their mind, and the dog is the one that looses out. They should be helping them find homes, not making a big buck off of them.

[ff18wife]

I can't believe they are "selling" those dogs at such high prices. I got an email back from the Pike Cty Humane Society that the "adoption fee" for the cat that I want is only $45. I'm sure it covers costs like spaying, vaccinations, boarding etc. but I wonder why the costs are so high for dogs.

Just wondering if you asked why so much for a small dog? I would have asked "why so much?" Then again, I'm good at asking lots of question when I want to know about something. I'm going under the guess that they really need the money to keep going....that's the only reason I can think of them asking so much for a small dog.

[Summering]

I'm so happy on the price of the cat........I hope it goes home with ffwife......
I'm sad about the pricing of the dog. They are just not going to get homes at this rate.
I think the organization should have a sign at their adoption locations......explaining the fees. Let someone know why they have to charge so much.
Are they building a new building? Do they not have enough to feed the animals.....because they have so many? Are they lacking in space, or in funds to pay the Vet.......And.......the Vet can be expensive, as we know for ONE dog no less a building full. What is the reasons?
I bet if we knew, the cost might not bother us.......its just that we don't know.

[pocono livin for me]

I was there the last time at Greentown Agway and was going to "adopt" a medium size dog. Same reaction you had, HOW MUCH? $150. I wanted to give the dog a good home and help the shelter at the same time. Sorry to say it does appear to be a business. The animals lose all around with these prices.I am sure if the prices were half they would have many pets in new homes and less of an expense at the shelter.In a way I'm glad I did not stop there today, just passed by going to the store, seems the prices went up.

[greentown]

I adopted my puppy from a shelter a few years ago. The fee was $130. I was told that I could get $30 refunded if I sent them a copy of a spay/neuter certificate. Of course I got the dog neutered, but I felt the shelter needed that $30 more than I did, so I sent them a copy of the papers, but told them to keep the money. All in all, I felt that $130 was a bargain compared to buying a purebred dog.

The fees charged by shelters reflect that cost of feeding, daily care, probably a vet check, and possibly a spay/neuter fee up front just to make sure it is done. Shelters also sometimes do background checks on those who want to adopt. Also, shelters screen pets for illness or aggression prior to putting them out for adoption. All this costs money.

[tcarrubba]

I have read the posts regarding the high prices of some of the pets that are up for adoption at the shelter. My daughter & I went yesterday and adopted a beautfiul 11 month old cat that was rescued from another shelter because he was days away from being euthenized. We paid $75 for him. At first I thought that was a bit steep to "adopt" a cat but when the man at the shelter reviewed his medical history with me I realized that all of the shots and the spay/neutering and rabies and feline disease screenings are costly. I felt that it was worth it. We saved an animal that would otherwise have been destroyed and added a lovely new member to our family.

The shelter is in dire need of help. I agree with people's opinions about the costs of "adopting" to an extent, but as someone said it is about giving the animal a good home and a chance at life. I urge anyone who is looking for a companion to please consider going to the shelter and adopting one. It is for a great cause.

[MsMilford]

Originally Posted by tcarrubba

I have read the posts regarding the high prices of some of the pets that are up for adoption at the shelter. My daughter & I went yesterday and adopted a beautfiul 11 month old cat that was rescued from another shelter because he was days away from being euthenized. We paid $75 for him. At first I thought that was a bit steep to "adopt" a cat but when the man at the shelter reviewed his medical history with me I realized that all of the shots and the spay/neutering and rabies and feline disease screenings are costly. I felt that it was worth it. We saved an animal that would otherwise have been destroyed and added a lovely new member to our family.

The shelter is in dire need of help. I agree with people's opinions about the costs of "adopting" to an extent, but as someone said it is about giving the animal a good home and a chance at life. I urge anyone who is looking for a companion to please consider going to the shelter and adopting one. It is for a great cause.

It IS for a great cause. Three years ago, hubby and I paid $400 for our pup from a reputable breeder in West VA, and he is a hybrid, not a purebreed. However, hubby and I both agreed that next time we will adopt from a shelter. $200 is a bargain compared to the the cost for a purebreed (or even a hybrid!)

[poconosmama]

Yes, I never said $200 wasnt reasonable for a dog, I said it wasnt reasonable if the shelter is complaining about overpopulation. There are plenty of people around here that would love to help out an animal but just can't come up with that kind of money.

[soulsurv]

Originally Posted by greentown

I adopted my puppy from a shelter a few years ago. The fee was $130. I was told that I could get $30 refunded if I sent them a copy of a spay/neuter certificate. Of course I got the dog neutered, but I felt the shelter needed that $30 more than I did, so I sent them a copy of the papers, but told them to keep the money. All in all, I felt that $130 was a bargain compared to buying a purebred dog.
The fees charged by shelters reflect that cost of feeding, daily care, probably a vet check, and possibly a spay/neuter fee up front just to make sure it is done. Shelters also sometimes do background checks on those who want to adopt. Also, shelters screen pets for illness or aggression prior to putting them out for adoption. All this costs money.

Absolutely. People who have never done any kind of humane rescue just don't get this. Shoot...I found a starving terrior in the park a couple of years ago. Adorable with great persosnality. And before I took him to specific terrier rescue, I had him checked out a few days/nights at my vets, bathed, an x-ray for his pack leg, a couple of shots/meds, and it was an EASY 500.00 - BEFORE I took him to rescue. When people have to run these places, they always need to watch costs. Most people are just not generous givers, so they must attach a cost. To me, it's still an enormous bargain.

[loveinbloom]

Thanks for the info on adoption. Being new I did not realize that adoption fees could be so high. When we finally purchase a home, we plan on getting our son a puppy and want to adopt. Now I know what general fees are.

Thanks again!