What Is a Reasonable Rehoming Fee for a Dog?

A reasonable rehoming fee for a dog starts at about $50 and can go up from there. The purpose of the fee is not to make money, but rather to avoid giving the dog to someone unwilling to invest in having a pet. Charging a fee also reduces the possibility that your dog will be used for fighting or sold to a lab. Many people don’t realize how real those dangers are, but they are very much reduced by charging a rehoming fee.

Feeling guilty over the rehoming fee? Don’t.

If the person who wants to adopt your dog seems nice but is haggling over a $50 rehoming fee, it’s probably time to look for a different adopter. Here’s why:

• People who would want to use your dog in a bad way have honed their skills at seeming like the perfect adopters. Some even bring kids along to put on a really good show.

• It’s expensive to take good care of a dog. If someone is unwilling or unable to pay a $50 rehoming fee, they may not be in the best position to adopt. Also, if a small rehoming fee puts them off, what will they do when faced with a large vet bill?

Don’t feel any guilt whatsoever for charging a fee to rehome your dog. The point of it is to protect them.

Need more advice for rehoming a dog? Visit Rehome, where you’ll find lots of tips and tools to help you find the perfect home for your pup.