When we got Emily and Eliot at PetSmart - they specifically explained to us that they made NO PROFIT from the adoption and that all the money went right to the shelter - we asked why they did it and they said the pets drew in business. I asked because I did NOT like the idea of "buying" a pet. If I had thought or known they profitted, I do not think I would have taken Emily and Eliot. It bothers me to think they charge extra - hopefully my PetSmart did not fib to me!! Maybe some DO charge extra?? Now I am really curious because I would want to feel all of my money went to the shelter and even made a point to ask!!
One thing - the Fayette County animals go into the "adoption center" - a nice little room with cages, glass doors, etc and the price on them is the $50. On weekends, Montgomery County brings in animals in cages and their's cost the $85 fee and maybe part of that goes to the store?? I do not know the cost of adopting directly at that shelter. We did adopt directly from Franklin County and that was $80.