Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue

Rescuing animals is expensive. Most shelters or breed rescues charge an adoption fee from $200 to $300, and many of these fees are increasing as the economy declines and donations decrease. This seems like a lot of money for a homeless animal, so why should I pay and where does that money go? The operating costs for a rescue organization encompass more things than people realize; here is a short list:

• Initial vaccines, microchipping, spay/neuter procedures
• Any unforeseen necessary veterinary care
• Heartworm, flea and tick preventative
• Housing, utilities and transportation costs
• Organization taxes and insurance
• Feeding costs for animals

Although adoption fees certainly do help provide the necessary funds for the organization to continue to operate, they also serve a greater function. Anyone who is hesitant to pay for an animal that has been brought up to date on its inoculations, spayed and cared for, may be hesitant to provide proper care for that animal in the future.

Owning an animal is not a trivial investment, both emotionally and financially. Rescue organizations invest an enormous amount of energy in the animals that they place and often those animals have been through trying circumstances. Placing them with a caring family who will look after them not just for a short time, but for the rest of their lives is the ultimate goal. Adoption fees help to make this possible and without the income, the rescue does not have the ability to give your new family member the fresh start they so greatly deserve.