When you adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue organization, you may be required to pay a rehoming fee. This fee can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on the organization and the type of pet. Rehoming fees are not just a way for shelters and rescues to make money; they serve several important purposes.

What Are Rehoming Fees for Pets?

Why Do Shelters and Rescues Charge Rehoming Fees?

1. To Help Cover the Costs of Caring for the Pet

Shelters and rescues spend a lot of money on food, water, housing, and veterinary care for the animals in their care. Rehoming fees help to offset these costs so that the organization can continue to provide quality care for the animals in its care.

2. To Deter Impulse Adoptions

Rehoming fees can help to deter people from adopting a pet on impulse. When people have to pay a fee, they are more likely to think carefully about whether or not they are ready to commit to owning a pet. This helps to reduce the number of animals that are later surrendered to shelters and rescues.

3. To Ensure That the Pet Goes to a Good Home

Rehoming fees can help to ensure that the pet goes to a good home. Shelters and rescues want to make sure that the animals they adopt out are going to be well-cared for. By charging a rehoming fee, they can help to screen out potential adopters who are not serious about providing a good home for a pet.

What Do Rehoming Fees Cover?

Rehoming fees can cover a variety of expenses, including:

1. Veterinary Care

Rehoming fees can help to cover the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and other veterinary care that the pet may need.

2. Food and Water

Rehoming fees can help to cover the cost of food and water for the pet until it is adopted.

3. Housing

Rehoming fees can help to cover the cost of housing for the pet until it is adopted.

4. Training and Behavior Modification

Rehoming fees can help to cover the cost of training and behavior modification for the pet, if necessary.

How Much Do Rehoming Fees Cost?

The cost of rehoming fees varies depending on the organization and the type of pet. However, the average rehoming fee for a dog is between $100 and $300, and the average rehoming fee for a cat is between $50 and $200.

Is It Worth Paying a Rehoming Fee?

Yes, it is worth paying a rehoming fee. Rehoming fees help to support the work of shelters and rescues, and they help to ensure that the pet goes to a good home. In addition, rehoming fees can help to deter impulse adoptions and ensure that the pet is properly cared for.