Adoption Fees

Whoa! These adoption donations are higher than I thought?!?!

We get it. We recognize these numbers probably aren't what you're used to seeing at when looking for a rescue pup. We all see it on the news and social media "ZERO ADOPTION FEES" or "NAME YOUR OWN PRICE ADOPTIONS!" Unfortunately, being a small rescue, we get zero government funding nor are we backed by big corporations. In order to keep going as a rescue and not turn away dogs based upon medical needs, to keep the lights on, adoption donations are a major contributor to helping offset the veterinary expenses.

The cost of veterinary care has grown exponentially in recent years. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index found the prices of veterinary care have increased over 32% between 2020 and 2024. Gulp. Factor in impacts of the pandemic and there's simply no way we can sustain with the number of pups we intake on any given month.

We also provide rescue services to some of the most expensive breeds around, with some basic care costing even more because of the breed. It doesn't matter which way you slice it, pugs and frenchies are expensive. Expensive for pet owners, expensive for pet rescue. Many other pure-breed rescues are adopting similar adoption donation guidelines as it's just what is required to sustain the rescue.

Simply put, we have to ask for more for the pups that can get a higher adoption donation to help offset for the pups that come into care, like seniors, where we spend thousands of dollars to help meet their medical needs to have a shot at finding a home that is willing to adopt them! If we created a "flat" adoption donation regardless of age or medical condition, asking for a $1200 adoption donation (this is actually below the average cost of vet care) for an 14 year old pug would be even more laugable. We doubt anyone would be willing to adopt a pup at that age at that price.

We're also based in Seattle, WA so if you're looking at adopting from us and coming from an area with a more reasonable cost of living, we get the sticker shock factor. Bottom line, Seattle isn't cheap and that directly impacts the costs incurred by the rescue as vets here simply charge more than other areas/states.

We understand you might decide to go to a breeder and get a puppy, and those that want to do so will. There are also plenty of rescue advocates that'll happily adopt from rescue based upon principle. It's important to remember that many pups when purchased from a breeder won't be microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, etc - all of those costs add up (trust us!) so don't forget to factor that in when weighing your options. If you're still thinking about going with a breeder, we can't wait to see you and your pup at one of our events, we promise not to judge you, and we hope you don't judge us.

We hope there's a day where we can get a big corporate sponsorship, an amazing donation that allows us to operate purely off interest accrued but until that day, or the day we find that magical money tree, we're doing the best we can and this is just what is keeping the boat afloat.