Dog adoption in San Diego is a wonderful way to find a new canine companion while at the same time offer a forever home for a dog in need. Owning a dog is not cheap. The cost of treatment, food, toys and other necessities can easily cross the thousand dollar mark per year. There is also an adoption fee that is charged. The adoption fee varies from one shelter to the next. It is about $100 to $300. But why do you have to pay this fee while all you are doing is saving a dog?
What the fee covers
The dog and puppy adoption fees pay for the expenses of the dog you are bringing home and benefit the rescue organization. Paying the adoption fee actually helps the organization to offset its costs. The fee offsets the cost of:
- Vaccines
- Microchip
- Deworming
- Dog food
- Facility costs
- Spay or neuter
- Heartworm prevention
- Staff costs
- Flea prevention
- Other vet care and medications
If you feel the adoption fees are too high, that is more than $300, you should ask why the adoption fees are so high. A reputable shelter will give you a breakdown of what the fee covers. If you feel the fee is not justified and there are signs you are not dealing with a reputable organization, you should head to a different rescue group or dog shelter.
Another reason for the adoption fees
Another reason why an adoption fee is charged is so that the dog shelter can make sure that the new owner is willing to spend money on the dog. As aforementioned, it costs quite a lot of money to care for a dog. If you are not willing to pay the adoption fee, the shelter takes that as a sign that you will be unwilling or unable to provide for the dog after the dog rescue in San Diego. There are, however, times when dog shelters don’t charge anything to adopt a dog.
Are adoption fees worth it?
Anybody that has gone through with a dog or puppy rescue will tell you that the adoption fees are worth the money. This is more so when you consider the fact that you will end up with a new companion that will change your life. Providing a permanent home for the dog is also rewarding. It also feels good to know you helped a reputable organization thrive. What is more is that the fee you pay is far less than what you would otherwise pay to breeders and in pet stores.