Why in the world do resuces charge significantly more for pups than for dogs?

I mean at a local rescue any dog over 4 months can be adopted for $55. If it's under 4 months then it's $200.

I know it's "easier" to adopt a puppy but it just feels wrong when it's such a difference. Especially when their costs (vet) are likely much less with a younger dog.

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Honestly, I think its because they know they can; and people will pay more. Most rescues and shelters are non-profit and all adoption fees go back to paying for the other dogs treatments. I don't think its right necessarily, but most adoption fees dont even barely cover the treatments each pet might need. Especially in the case of dogs who actually need extensive medical care; they arent going to charge the adoption fee of $589 that it actually cost for x-rays, heartworm treatment, surgery, etc. that it cost for the dog. The cost evens out when the next dog only needs it's rabies vaccine; but they both have the same final adoption fee. So if they have puppies that they know may be in higher demand, they charge a little more as it helps reimburse the other costs in general just to run the rescue itself. BUT, that's just non-profit..

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The rescue pups I've seen in my area go for as much as $350! I don't mind donating and paying a donation fee, but I think some of the prices I've seen are crazy.

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I just paid $200 for Lola she is 18 months she was located in Arkansas. Plus $45 health certificate $40 for gas to get her to transport and $125 for transport to mass. I think more people are willing to pay high prices for puppies because that is what alot of people want. Lola was alot because she had alot of vet bills I was told the puppies that were there went for about $125 and dogs 12 months and up $45.

Rescues vary by breed I find..when I did rescue work it was an all breeds rescue and the standard adoption fee back then was 175.00 with a 75.00 reimbursement upon proof of neuter or spay.

This said... that was several years ago! I was looking at the chi rescue groups in Canada and I had a good laugh.. most dogs are over 300.00 in adoption fees and they won't place anything under 10 pounds in a home with a child.

Good luck I say! LOL

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Thank you Jan for the lovely siggie!

Most of the small dogs are banned from homes with children that really bummed me out when I wanted to adopt because I have a 2 year old.

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A lot of rescues charge more for puppies because they have to give them more vaccines, often spay/neuter when some adults are already done, and puppies are generally more prone to illness. I think it also is to encourage people to adopt the less likely adoptable adults.

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Thank-you Sugarbaby for my awesome siggie!

I know it put me off, I had looked at the Chi rescue in Canada before I got AJ, I would have been open to adopting totally! as thats how I got my now 17 year old toy poodle waaaay back.

When I saw the policy on the small dogs I thought it was ridiculous, so I went and looked for a breeder.

I think they are defeating the purpose a bit with that silly rule. Actually its flat out discriminatory.. I debated just applying for the dog I was looking at and not disclosing anything about my kids as I didn't feel it was their business either.. when I worked in rescue we wanted vet reference.. landlord letter or personal refs.. family composition is none of their business in my books! My kids are better with animals than some adults I know!

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Thank you Jan for the lovely siggie!