? for rescuers

[Ginger's Mom]

If your area has state or county run shelters they probably don't charge as high a fee for adoption. That is because they don't spend the money to train dogs with problems or correct things like heartworm (they will just euthanize dogs that cannot be adopted-I am not saying that as a put down, unfortunately it is just a financial necessity). There is nothing wrong with getting a dog from a government shelter, as a matter of fact those dogs are just as worthy of rescuing and a loving home as a dog in a privately run rescue. So you may want to do a search of state-run shelters. The ones up here I think charge something like $50.00 for dogs.

[Pam]

If your area has state or county run shelters they probably don't charge as high a fee for adoption. That is because they don't spend the money to train dogs with problems or correct things like heartworm (they will just euthanize dogs that cannot be adopted-I am not saying that as a put down, unfortunately it is just a financial necessity). There is nothing wrong with getting a dog from a government shelter, as a matter of fact those dogs are just as worthy of rescuing and a loving home as a dog in a privately run rescue. So you may want to do a search of state-run shelters. The ones up here I think charge something like $50.00 for dogs.

I got Ripley from such a shelter almost 5 years ago. He was $39.00. (The prices have no doubt gone up some since then). They did not spay/neuter. It was the prospective owners responsibility to do that. Once you have your pet spayed/neutered you take the form from the vet to the shelter as proof and it is submitted to the state. The state them reimburses you $20. Soooo, Ripley was my $19 dog!!!! Honestly, he was the best purchase I ever made for many many reasons!!

We were actually at the shelter that day turning in the proof of spaying papers for my daughter's cat. After doing that we walked through the kennel area "just to look around." HA! Next thing I knew I was filling out an application for Ripley!

[Freedom]

I got Lacey from the animal control. They pick up strays on the street. $10 adoption fee. NO vetting. NO grooming. If he wants a mix, or wants to hold out for what may appear to be a pure breed, that is one route. (I believe Lacey is a purebred but you never know when a dog comes this route.)

If you want a pure breed, then go through that breed's rescue groups. They set the fees based on quite a few things. Obviously they can't charge based on what they spent on the dog. So the fees have to average out. Many dogs coming in to rescue have issues, health, behavioural or both. Most breed rescues are also pulling their dogs from puppy mills to a greater or lesser extent. And that cost varies based on whcih breed in "in" at the moment.

I sent you a PM about Sugar and Small Paws Rescue. That may be something of interest to you.

If he doesn't mind a mix, scan craigslist; here in RI, we have loads of wonderful dogs on there at reasonable prices; and some at ridiculous fees.
Sandie

[lizbud]

If your area has state or county run shelters they probably don't charge as high a fee for adoption. That is because they don't spend the money to train dogs with problems or correct things like heartworm (they will just euthanize dogs that cannot be adopted-I am not saying that as a put down, unfortunately it is just a financial necessity). There is nothing wrong with getting a dog from a government shelter, as a matter of fact those dogs are just as worthy of rescuing and a loving home as a dog in a privately run rescue. So you may want to do a search of state-run shelters. The ones up here I think charge something like $50.00 for dogs.

I agree with looking for pups on the local level. Those fees from pet finder do seem high to me, but I was never looking for one particular breed when
I wanted to adopt. I was particular about the dog, but never the breed .