Every Rescuer has heard it. The argument that if we really cared about finding "Good Homes", we would give the dogs away. There are folks who will tell us they could go to a Pet shop and purchase a dog for just a little more then the adoption fee. So what is the adoption fee paying for?
The assumption that Rescue is a business, or that Rescuer's make a profit from suffering, could not be further from the truth. While not all Rescue Groups are created equally, regardless of the size or breed of dog you are looking for, most will ask for a donation to adopt ranging from $100 to $300 dollars.
If a Rescue Group takes in a healthy pet that costs a minimal amount to make ready for adoption, the "profit" from that animal is applied to the vetting costs of the many others who are not as fortunate. When a dog comes into Rescue, funds must be spent on neutering/spaying, vaccinations, (Rabies, DHLPP, Bordatella), screening for HW and a fecal. Vetting expenses on a healthy animal can run as high as $175 and more with the larger breeds. The truth is the majority of found/stray/rescues DO require additional vetting. Worming is almost always a necessity. Rescuers treat HW positive animals, pay to set broken bones, to treat illnesses and injuries---providing treatment the original owners either didn't choose to or could not afford. Rescuers may do whatever is necessary, and it can often take several months to return an animal to good health. It is not unusual for the costs of this care to run from $450-$1000 per dog. Most Rescuers do this without benefit of financial backing or resources, choosing to spend money in saving lives, rather then on themselves. I do not know of any Rescue group that makes a profit, or comes anywhere close to breaking even.
Rescuers will foster these animals in their homes, making them part of the family while providing care and training. The animals will be screened for behavioral and health issues, those issues addressed, and every attempt is made to make the best possible match with adopting families. Rescuers spend hours on the computer each day seeking the perfect home, help for a dog, or transport from shelter to Rescue or Rescue to forever home. Setting up transports for these animals may take weeks to arrange, and require 100's of emails. Phone bills are frequently outrageous, as Rescuers still find it necessary to call shelters and vets that lack email capabilities, to interview prospective adopters and check their references.
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