Rescue centres part 2

A rescued dog

Something that came to mind after I wrote yesterday's article.

People also complain about rescues wanting fees to take thier pet in or an adoption fee if you want a pet.  There is no government funding for any animal rescue, even the RSPCA relies on donations.

To take in an unwanted pet costs the rescue centre.  For instance a dog that comes off the street as a stray with no history will require a vet visit, vaccinations, neutering, worm and flea treatment as a minimum.  This animal will also need housing and feeding while it undergoes various assessments.  Once they are completed there is the advertising of that animal for rehoming as well as the ongoing care.

Even animals that are owner surrendered have to have checks done, owners are not always truthful when giving up their pets.  Many come with glowing reports about how they are the perfect pet but suddenly someone in the house has developed an allergy to the fur.  Often this means that Rover has serious behaviour issues that have been allowed to develop to the point that the family can't cope and don't want to pay for a trainer, they'd rather pass the problem on.  Or it may mean that Kitty has become pregnant and the family don't want to have the hassle of helping rear and home a number of baby cats.

All of these problems cost the welfare organisation taking in that pet.  An average rehoming donation is £200 this does not cover the money laid out to get the pet to the stage where they are able to be rehomed.  Animals that are euthenised cost the rescue and there is no way they can get back a fraction of that money.

The shelters that ask for an abandonment fee may only ask for between £50 and £100.  Add that to the rehoming donation and that is a maximum of £300. 

Boarding a dog while you are on holiday costs around £15 a day.  If we add this to the equation the basic cost of rehoming a dog goes something like this:

Daily board at £15 a day for 30 days = £450
Vaccines ......................................... = £25
Neutering..........................................= £100
Worm and flea treatment ..................= £25

Total cost ........................................ = £600
Total rehoming fees........................... = £300
Cost to shelter ................................. = £300

So assuing a dog that is owner surrendered at a cost to the owner of £100 needs vaccinating, worm and flea treatment, neutering will cost the rescue shelter £300 after they have have had a rehoming donation of £200.  This does not cover any rehabilitation and training work the dog might need, treatment of any medical conditions or any other expenses that may come with that dog.