I was just looking over the pros and cons of “rehoming fee to ensure (often misspelled insure) a good home” and came across what you wrote. Hat’s off to you for not caring if you are outnumbered by the opposite opinion. I’m with you. There is absolutely no substitute for the time and effort put into finding a good home where it seems that neglect, abuse or craziness wouldn’t be a problem. I’ll go a step further: “$40 to ensure a good home” is just as risky as “free” because it implies that the first person with $40 will walk away with the dog. Having $40 is no proof of good character, and that tiny amount of money is no proof that the person has the funds for food, vet care, etc. for a dog.

I was glad that the fee was relatively low, though, when we had to spend quite a bit at the vet right away. We’d gladly spend more, but it was nice to spend less than we expected on the adoption fee.

I had a friend in financial need who has repeatedly offered to keep my dog when I go out of town. I try to take him when I can, but came across a time when I was going to counsel at a youth camp and pets were not allowed. I agreed easily, and she and her retired mom adored him.

While he had a lot of love and attention, he had gained a pound when I returned five days later. Both she and her mother have a myriad of financial and physical difficulties due to poor health which comes from their weight. I LOVE this woman, but realized that if she ever somehow came to own my dog (as I am considering the Peace Corps, etc. due to a recent divorce and life change), she would not be able to afford the vet fees, and might not realize the damage a lot of extra weight could do. In addition, though they have a nice yard, she would not be able to take him on walks due to her physical difficulties.

In other words, it hit me that even “good” people are not necessarily the best fit. Don’t worry, though–if I do something wherein I cannot take my pup, I have two sisters who are dog-lovers, healthy, and in stable homes who could take him for a little while!!

I’ve adopted 1 dog and 4 cats from shelters, and never worried about the cost – they were all worth it.

I agree about the rehoming fee — I am always horrified when I hear stories about how people would put their dog down because of something that is easily curable (like a broken leg) because they can’t afford it, then go out and replace that dog with another. Pets become family members so how can you put them down because of the vet bills?

Both cats I’ve had were both free from Craigslist. My current cat was bound for an animal shelter in only a few more weeks and he’s not a cute and cuddly kitten, that’s for sure! I don’t think that a regular person should demand a fee if the alternative is leaving the animal at a shelter. Adult cats are hard enough to find homes for… I would not want a small amount of money to be a deterrent to anyone who could give them a home.