If you are looking for a new furry friend, you may have come across ads that offer dogs for adoption with a rehoming fee. What does this mean and why should you be careful?
What is a Rehoming Fee?
A rehoming fee is an amount of money that someone asks for when they are giving up their dog to a new owner. The purpose of the fee is not to make a profit, but to cover some of the expenses that the original owner incurred while caring for the dog, such as:
- Vaccinations
- Spaying or neutering
- Microchipping
- Food and supplies
- Training and grooming
A rehoming fee also shows that the new owner is serious about taking on the responsibility of owning a dog and can afford to provide for its needs. Charging a fee also reduces the risk of the dog being used for malicious purposes, such as:
- Dog fighting
- Baiting
- Laboratory testing
- Breeding mills
How Much is a Rehoming Fee?
The typical rehoming fee for a dog varies depending on the breed, age, size, health status, and location of the dog. However, generally, rehoming fees for dogs range anywhere from $50 to $300.
Some factors that may affect the rehoming fee are:
- The popularity and rarity of the breed
- The demand and supply of adoptable dogs in the area
- The medical history and special needs of the dog
- The quality and reputation of the source
Why You Should Be Careful
While rehoming fees are meant to protect both the dog and the new owner, there are some cases where they can be used as a scam or a cover-up for unethical practices. Here are some red flags to watch out for when adopting a dog with a rehoming fee:
- The fee is too high or too low. A fee that is too high may indicate that the seller is trying to make a profit from the dog, while a fee that is too low may indicate that the dog has health or behavioral issues that are not disclosed.
- The seller is vague or evasive about the details of the dog. A reputable seller should be able to provide proof of vaccinations, spaying or neutering, microchipping, and any other relevant information about the dog’s history and personality.
- The seller is in a hurry or pressuring you to make a decision. A responsible seller should be willing to take their time to find the best match for their dog and allow you to meet and interact with the dog before agreeing to adopt it.
- The seller asks for payment in advance or through an untraceable method. A legitimate seller should accept cash or check at the time of adoption and provide you with a receipt and a contract.
How to Find a Reputable Source
If you want to adopt a dog with a rehoming fee, you should do your research and find a reputable source that has the best interest of the dog at heart. Some ways to do this are:
- Ask for referrals from friends, family, or veterinarians who have adopted or rehomed dogs before.
- Check online reviews and ratings of local shelters, rescues, or breeders who offer dogs for adoption with rehoming fees.
- Visit the place where the dog is kept and observe its living conditions, health, and behavior.
- Ask questions about the dog’s background, medical records, temperament, and training.
- Request a trial period or a home visit to see how the dog adapts to your environment and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Rehoming fees are common when adopting dogs from private owners who can no longer keep them. They help cover some of the costs of caring for the dog and ensure that the new owner is committed and capable of providing for its needs. However, rehoming fees can also be used as scams or disguises for unethical practices, so you should be careful and do your homework before adopting a dog with a rehoming fee.
