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[–] 30 points 6 months ago (10 children)

Out: "Golden retriever puppy for sale, $500."

In: "Golden retriever puppy for adoption. Adoption fee, $500."

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  • [–] [S] 11 points 6 months ago (7 children)

    "Adoption fee" is a wild concept

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  • [–] 14 points 6 months ago

    It's a pretty standard concept in my experience. It helps cover funding for the shelter and in some cases includes the cost of mandatory surgical sterilization of the animal.

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  • [–] 7 points 6 months ago (3 children)

    Quite common, though.

    More legit rescue/animal welfare organizations will charge an adoption fee that covers a basic vet inspection, spay/neuter, and routine vaccines. And maybe also some of their cost to feed the animal while in their care. Charging people for that allows them to afford the care for the next round of animals, and usually isn't more than ~$50 for cats and ~$100 for dogs.

    But unscrupulous organizations that want to sell pets when they're not allowed to do so will abuse this norm and charge high adoption fees in order to make a profit.

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  • [–] 3 points 6 months ago (2 children)

    And they will make lots of money, and out compete the ethical agents. Then they will consolidate market share by buying up the less competitive players. Then they will spend money on corporate lobbyists to capture regulation. Then they will expand accross the nation. Then there will be one mega corporate animal farm churning out pets on an industrial scale. Yay.

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  • [–] 3 points 6 months ago (1 child)

    Thankfully, a lot of the legit rescues out there are operating as nonprofits and are not for sale, so they can't be bought up and consolidated.

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  • [–] 6 points 6 months ago (1 child)

    A low adoption fee keeps the crazies away and helps pay for some of the pet's care. It's nothing crazy.

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  • [–] 2 points 6 months ago

    Most SPCA's have shoestring budgets and the cost of adoption barely covers the price to keep the dog there long term. Folks go there and are like this place is so terrible without considering they survive on donations that are few and far between.

    The largest and fanciest SPCA's are supported by major donors (billionaires and millionaires alike) who want to claim they built the place into a respectable establishment. Which is always why you can find their names plastered on walls covered with petty gimmick placards or lazer cut pavers to take advantage of their vanity.

    The cause is ultimately good, but the taste is dirt

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  • [+] -1 points 6 months ago (2 children)