Adoption fees - what do you think?

First topic message reminder :

I personally feel that the fees are a good idea. It isn't an outrageous price, usually around £100-£150, considering how much it costs to take proper care of a dog. Rescues operate on donations as well; the least we can do is reward them for taking such good care of our new dog beforehand.

I've put Other, because like most things in life I am in two minds! Coloured somewhat by my very limited experience.

Whilst I understand that dog rescues must ensure that they are happy that the dog will go to a safe home, some demands that they make are ridiculously high - like Caryll's stairs for instance, and 6 foot high fences all round the property.

When a dog IS allowed to be rehomed, I think some discretion regarding "donations" should be allowed, according to the adoptee's circumstances.

I do realise that the rescue needs funds to continue it's work in caring for abandoned dogs, but at the risk of sounding heartless and mercenary, I would baulk at paying £100-£150 for an adult dog which would be a "pig in a poke" as far as behaviour and previous history is concerned. I think it is a very brave person (and a bigger person than me) who takes on an adult dog.

And, I am unfortunate enough to be the kind of person who can only really love a dog as it deserves to be loved if I have had it from a puppy. A baby, and a blank sheet. Any aberrations in its character thereafter will be my fault, and I will know where they come from so better able to deal with them.

No i definitely agree with you Lynda, while we were happy to pay £99 for Chance's fee, i wouldn't want to pay much more especially for a dog like Chance, and no rehoming an adult dog IME is not something anyone should ever take lightly even if the dog had no behavioural problems.

Good post, Lynda!

Thank you Ella and Eleanor - I was afraid that I would alienate all you lovely people by explaining my very personal viewpoint.

Of course not, Lynda! Would be very silly to have a go at you for expressing a different opinion, especially in the Polls/Debates thread!

Course not you daft mare

 
daft mare sums me up pretty accurately!