Many times during adoptions we hear, “Why do you have a fee? Shouldn’t you give animals to people that want them?” In a perfect world that would be the case, but in the real world, we have to charge fees.

Why? These fees help to offset the costs that the organizations have already put into the animals. For an animal to be able to go up for adoption, it has to meet certain standards. This includes being up-to-date on shots based on age and weight, spayed or neutered, tested for FIV and feline leukemia, getting microchipped and multiple flea and worm treatments. We also have to take into account the overhead expenses for the facility that the animal stayed at, such as utility bills and possibly paid staff.

Many organizations, such as Forever Home Feline Ranch, are run solely on donations and volunteers. There is no paid staff or government subsidies, and we rely on the kindness of strangers. This means any money that comes in is spent entirely on vet bills and property maintenance. More money in means the more lives saved.

Adoption fees can vary, usually based on the organization. During kitten season, you may see a two for one special or a reduced fee. This is to help keep fosters and facilities low on “inventory” so we can keep taking as many animals as possible. You may also see a “sponsored” animal, which means someone already paid the adoption fee in hopes that animal will find a home.

The next time you see animals up for adoption, just remember that the fee for that animal goes towards saving another.