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The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

  • 1.  The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 01-08-2024 11:32 AM

    It happens occasionally. Our shelter, which is usually full of larger, mixed-breed dogs, sometimes gets small, "pure-breed" dogs. The dogs are often labeled with the slightly cringe-worthy "highly desirable." It is common practice for shelters that obtain "highly desirable" dogs to charge a significantly higher adoption fee. It makes sense from a utilitarian perspective; the more money these dogs bring, the more resources we have to support the rest of our work. It's win/win, right? I no longer think so.

    At my agency, adoption fees are used to help offset some of the animal care costs. However, these fees don't come close to actually covering the costs and are often reduced or waived. In an area where supply outstrips demand, attempting to recover costs fully through fees would be counterproductive, significantly impacting the number of adoptions. So, we charge a small fee (less than $100) based on the animals' age.

    When we received a clutch of Yorkies recently, I realized I could likely get a couple hundred dollars each in adoption fees. It was a tempting prospect, for sure. However, the more I thought about it, the more bothered I became by the idea. By slapping a substantially higher fee on the Yorkies, we would declare their lives more valuable than the other dogs in our care. At the same time, we are elevating them above the other dogs in our shelter; we would be reducing the value of life of all dogs (including the Yorkies), to something that is driven by market forces, not intrinsic in nature, something that only reinforces breed-centric culture and the treatment of animals simply as property.  I find that thought morally troubling.

    A second problem is that the selective high adoption fees serve as gatekeeping. By elevating fees for selected "desirables," we are implying that those who cannot afford the raised fees are somehow not worthy of certain types of dogs. This doubles the issue from above. Not only are we saying one dog is more valuable than others but that only certain people (those with more significant disposable income) are worthy to care for it. I don't think we've looked deeply enough into this type of gatekeeping (intentional or otherwise) and the damage it could be doing to our communities.

    Policy and procedures have consequences, sometimes way beyond their intended effect. When we commodify dogs, we send multiple signals to the public, and they are not all good. Next time you get that batch of "desirable" dogs in, think twice before bumping up their adoption fees.



    #AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
    #Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice

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    Cole Wakefield
    Good Shepherd Humane Society, Inc.
    Eureka Springs AR
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  • 2.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 01-08-2024 11:01 PM

    I think this is a pretty common viewpoint, and one which I tend to share. But devil's advocate - don't we all already do this by charging different fees for different species and age groups? It's also something I have difficulty with, but I can't see it ever being any different. 



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    Sam Maurice
    Humane Society of Jefferson County
    Jefferson WI
    https://hsjc-wis.com
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  • 3.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 01-09-2024 07:22 AM

    We charge the same for all our dogs, size/age etc. Doesn't matter. Once we had a litter of the mix desirable puppies. It's actually insane the phone calls, emails, and messages we all of a sudden get. One man who came to adopt was a mechanic on his lunch. He's a very nice hardworking man, good family! We posted his photo on our FB page as we do with most adoptions. I was beyond appalled at the private messages we received over his appearance and if he would be "good to the dog" or "have enough money to take care of it" Some even had the nerve to post these questions under his photo. We quickly removed them. I will admit, after about the 5th private message my responses were getting shorter and shorter as were my temper.  We finally decided on a nicer, cut-copy-paste option for all questions regarding their "concerns," If one thing I have learned being the dog warden in a rural area, you can't always judge a book by its cover. That Christmas we received a family photo from his family which included EVERYONE in matching outfits. Dogs included. I swear that dog had a smile on her face.  She was loved. That is always our goal. Forever home, however, we get there. 



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    Dee Cummins
    Dog Warden/Operations Manager
    Meigs County Rescue & Adoption Center
    OH
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  • 4.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 01-09-2024 11:28 AM

    This is a big pet peeve for me. I have seen some of the local rescues charge breeder fees for "highly adoptable" dogs. And there are rescues near me that also charge higher fee for "designer cats".

    In my opinion, this is no better than the breeder mentality. This perpetuates the idea that a certain look or genetics places the worth of some animals higher than others.

    We have the same adoption fee regardless of breed. While we could make more money on the more desirable dogs or cats which would help the rescue, I morally could not do this, as it would perpetuate the obsession people have with designer animals and certain breeds. 

    When I post a shepherd mix, it takes months to get interest. The second I post a cockapoo, we have a pile of messages and applications to sift through. It is so disheartening and I do not want to contribute to that.



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    Amanda Gray
    Grants and fundraising manager
    Operation Liberation
    FL
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  • 5.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 01-09-2024 02:55 PM

    I know of some groups that charge more for kittens than adult cats, because they are in more demand.  I think you have to do what feels right for you.  



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    julie bacon
    President
    It's Raining Cats and Dogs
    AR
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  • 6.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 01-09-2024 03:00 PM

    I would like to hear your thoughts on those groups who actually go to dog auctions, and buy the desirable breeds, for adoption at their facility.  That idea has troubled me.



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    julie bacon
    President
    It's Raining Cats and Dogs
    AR
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  • 7.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 01-09-2024 05:05 PM

    Ooof rescues that buy dogs from an auction, puppy mill etc are not reputable rescues to me.

    That is directly supporting an industry that sees animals as commodities to profit off of,  and that contributes to overpopulation, health issues, and cruelty. 



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    Amanda Gray
    Grants and fundraising manager
    Operation Liberation
    FL
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  • 8.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 01-10-2024 03:54 AM

    @julie bacon We are an exotic and farm animal sanctuary and I agree it troubles me too. We have the same issue with sanctuaries that do this. There is one not far from us who will buy exotic animals from breeders to "educate people that these animals don't make good pets".  They are perpetuating the idea that it's ok to breed these animals and buy them. 

    @Cole Wakefield I agree that all dogs/cats should have the same adoption cost. In our area most small foster based rescues charge a much larger adoption fee but they charge the same fee no matter the size of the dog. Our local shelters charge less for senior pets to help get them adopted. For us we adopt out bunnies, birds, pigs, guinea pigs etc and we have different adoption fees based on the what it cost for their initial vet cost. Of course our adoption fees are much lower (less than $100) than the vet cost and their care while here, but I never considered whether or not one species was more desirable than another.  Your question is making me rethink our adoption fees though.



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    Lisa Burn
    Co-founder/VP
    Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary
    Myakka City, FL
    https://farmhousesanctuary.org
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  • 9.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 01-16-2024 11:47 AM

    We charge more for puppies/kittens, but it's the same regardless of apparent breed. (And we charge more for the young ones because they get initial shots, spay/neuter, chipped, etc .). We're a transfer shelter, so we never know what's coming in!

    What we DO enforce, however, is a strict first come/first serve policy. We encourage people to check out/follow our website, which states that to adopt, they must come in when we open and sign in at the front counter, and adoptions are done in order off that list. So, for "more desirable" puppies, early bird gets the worm, so to speak. Sure, once in a while, we can't please everyone (especially those who don't bother reading the procedures) but for the most part it works for us.



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    Monica Lowe
    Development Support Specialist/Matchmaker
    NORTHWEST ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMAL HELP
    WA
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  • 10.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 04-14-2024 12:44 PM

    Our adoption fees are a set price. One for cats and one for dogs. Each fee covers the basic pre-adoption services.

    We maintain a "request" book if someone is seeking a specific breed, size, age etc. cat or dog. Always more requests  in the book for the small dogs. We call in order, give the client 24 hours to call back, then move on to the next name. Generally we start calling while the animal is finishing the impound period. If no takers we proceed with our normal listing process.



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    Rochelle Hamp
    Executive Director
    Headwaters Animal Shelter
    MN
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  • 11.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 04-15-2024 12:14 AM

    @Cole Wakefield

    Great topic and one I have thought about since 1994.  Points to consider.

    1. First obligation is to the sustainability of the organization.  We are a business.  
    2. Understand your organizations objectives-if it is to reduce cat and dog overpopulation then keep reading.
    3. Do program based budgeting to see what numbers are.  In my experience about 80% of fundraising is expected to cover adoption deficit(usually about 50% of program expenses).  While we expect our s/n programs to profit or break even.  It is our responsibility to think of our adoption programs as a fee for service program(think YMCA).  Does this development effort harm the impact to other programs that might assist in reducing overpopulation?  Also due to the vet/vet tech staffing shortage breaking even/having a profit will be much harder to achieve at the s/n program level.   
    4. I am fan of dynamic pricing and understanding the economic forces in your region.  We do this with targeting for s/n- maybe there is also targeting pricing for adoption? 
    5. Cats and Dogs economically are considered luxury goods by society.  That is why as your income level goes up the numbers of dogs you have go up- as income level goes down the number of cats go up(this is unique).   
    6. We need to price ourselves in such a way that we are re-populating our community with neutered animals.  If not, you will see an uptick in local intakes within a year or two. 
    7. Your competition are pet shops,  other rescues/non-profits and "the community" you need to track what all of these groups are pricing.  

    Anyway, these are my initial thoughts.



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    Stacy LeBaron
    Head Cat
    The Community Cats Podcast
    Warren VT
    978-239-2090
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  • 12.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 04-15-2024 04:02 PM

    This is such an interesting topic! We currently have one dog who would be considered "desirable". It's something I've been torn about as well because he is "desirable" but also one of our more difficult dogs, so because of that, finding the right home for him would be an added hurdle. However, due to his appeal, it's been suggested that he be adopted at a higher rate. And I do think it is definitely something to consider seeing that the additional funds will be recycled to offset other costs. It's definitely a tough decision, but I've found great insight in what you all have shared, thank you!



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    Kenni Kennedy
    President
    The Kennedy Puppy Foundation
    CA
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  • 13.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 04-15-2024 06:39 PM

    What Cole said is absolutely spot on!

    Totally agree with every single point.

    The higher adoption fee IS gatekeeping those dogs for people who are more affluent and it reinforces the idea that they are more special or they matter more than other dogs. 

    Reinforcement of that idea is what keeps breeders going. 



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    Amanda Gray
    Grants and fundraising manager
    Operation Liberation
    FL
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  • 14.  RE: The trouble with upcharging for "Desirable

    Posted 04-16-2024 08:36 AM

    The ironic thing about is that "desirable" breeds are often the perfect dogs for the exact people who can't afford to pay an expensive upfront premium for them. A small dog like a Yorkie is well under rental weight requirements, they eat small amounts of food,  they don't need big yard, and they can be easily be carried on public transportation. None of those things apply to the large dogs shelters frequently waive adoption fees for or charge less for.



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    Maria Saucedo
    GIS Analyst
    Pets for Life at HSUS
    Baltimore, MD
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