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The doghouse

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Original poster

Having to pay to surrender a dog to rescue?

89 replies

Httr · 21/02/2023 14:44

Firstly I understand there is alot of work that goes into rescue, a lot of money needed to take on and rehome a dog. I'm very aware of that.

I have a purebred dog I have to rehome. DEVASTATING circumstances I won't go into. But I'm heartbroken. She is only 1 years old and not neutered yet.

I paid alot of money for her.

But her being happy and safe in a loving home is way more important than getting my money back.

But money is part of the reason I am rehoming (not the main reason that is really out of my control) but I am in a bad way financially (all come about in last 3 months)

So I contact breed rescue. And they want £75 fee to surrender her.

Surely this must put people off?

I could go on gumtree now and sell her for £700 easily. I WON'T because I'm terrified she will be taken by someone horrible.

But why is there a surrender fee when to adopt a dog from this rescue is £675.

Surley the £675 adoption fee covers the costs?

I'm not trying to be bitch or dismiss the wonderful work they do.

But they are a rescue that soley works with an expensive breed that are easily sold, even as adults. So don't you think charging people to surrender their dogs just encourages people to sell them instead?

I don't have the money to give them so I don't know what to do now.

Is this normal now?

Obviously adoptions fees have always been a thing, but surrender fees?

OP posts:
GiraffeLaSophie · 21/02/2023 17:04

But they are a rescue that soley works with an expensive breed that are easily sold, even as adults. So don't you think charging people to surrender their dogs just encourages people to sell them instead?

Yes, I do. And given your (obviously very difficult) financial circumstances it shows what a conscientious owner you are that you aren’t even considering selling her.

I would contact the breed specific rescue and explain your circumstances, they might well waive the fee. I know you’ve said that you’ve left the thread, but if you are reading this then please ignore the comments about puppy farms. There is generally no acceptance of a middle ground when it comes to dog breeders on MN.

I hope things pick up for you soon 💐

DidyouNO · 21/02/2023 17:06

What is wrong with Facebook or gumtree though? You could advertise locally, put certain things in place. Make it clear you want to see their home and ask questions. Maybe if they're local you could dog walk dog sit if they worked? And they could visit often before they take the dog? Good luck, I'm sorry you have to do this.

AllWorkYoPlait · 21/02/2023 17:09

Well, for a start they're gonna have to neuter her.

As you know, looking after dogs is expensive.

If you care about her you'll find a way to make it happen rather than make veiled threats about gumtree. Wouldn't even enter my head to consider that option if I was forced to give up any of my animals.

Zuma76 · 21/02/2023 18:10

wow the keyboard warriors are out today. I am sorry you have got such a harsh response. Even if the breeder was a puppy farmer, that is an even better reason to not send the dog back there. People are duped all the time. Having a go at the OP now because you don’t believe the breeders story is not helping her is it!

OP has said she can’t afford it and is rehoming because she can’t afford. I really hope all the people who are claiming £75 is nothing don’t fall on hard times.
All I suggest is explaining to the rescue that you will have difficulty paying that and maybe offering to pay a smaller contribution or paying it in full when you have the ability to do so.

journeyofinsanity · 21/02/2023 18:15

bumpytrumpy · 21/02/2023 15:53

To be fair the breeder can't have been that great to sell a puppy to you, and now less than a year on you're giving it up. I know you think you have a good reason, and that it was totally unpredictable blah blah, but something was rocky and that's the facts.

You have no idea what might happen in a year. People might die. A disabled child may be born. Someone one might end up paralysed, work might for e one person or whole family abroad, failed business might mean homelessness. People like you are judgemental and thick

FriedasCarLoad · 21/02/2023 18:24

I wonder if the rescue would accept an offer to pay them in installments. I assume that £15 a week for 5 weeks, or ££37.50 a month for two months, might still be cheaper for you than feeding and insuring the dog?

Overall though I just wanted to express my sympathy. It must be heartbreaking to give up a dog.

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 21/02/2023 18:31

But why is there a surrender fee when to adopt a dog from this rescue is £675
Surely the £675 adoption fee covers the costs?

Pfft, won’t even touch the sides. Especially at the moment, everything costs more and as PP said there’s an epidemic of dog surrenders right now. DD works for a big, well known, rescue. Their website states that the branch she works for has capacity for 80 dogs at their site. Right now they have 130. And more enquiries coming in every week for surrender.

Leafytrees · 21/02/2023 18:45

I'm sorry you're having to give up your dog. It sounds like you've always tried to do the best by the dog and are continuing to do so.

I take your point about the fact that a surrender fee could put people off, but how are these organisations meant to run otherwise? The cost of everything is through the roof these days.

We surrendered a dog to Blue Cross a few years ago and the charge was £250. I thought it was very reasonable given their running costs and was happy that they were going to have the dog assessed and find the best possible home.

itsthefinalcountdown1 · 21/02/2023 19:12

You seriously think that a £675 adoption fee covers how much it costs to look after a dog, from the moment it's dropped off at the shelter until the day it gets rehomed? 🙄

Yes, you should be a responsible owner and cough up the £75. Bare minimum.

MidnightMeltdown · 21/02/2023 19:18

So who do you think should pay for your dog OP?

EdithStourton · 21/02/2023 19:27

Bloody hell, there are some unpleasant people on this thread.

Suzi888 · 21/02/2023 19:50

I’m shocked. £75 to surrender a much loved pet…
Some people simply cannot afford that.

So many dogs being dumped. Is it a rescue specialising in rehoming a certain breed? With neutering contract etc?

Local Authority take on strays and most of them are very expensive breeds. Some need veterinary treatment- no insurance won’t cover everything and vets bills are extortionate. (Yes I know they study for years etc etc but it’s the partners/profiteering). A disgrace.

I’m sorry for your loss impending loss OP. 💐

octoberafternoons · 21/02/2023 19:55

I used to volunteer at a cat rescue and they too asked for a donation for owner surrender cases and this helped them rescue more stray/abandoned cats and divert other funding towards those cats who had no one to donate for them. Looking after animals and running a rescue is really expensive, and adoptions can take a long time so for many of the cats the initial donation didn't even touch the sides of what they ended up spending over time on that pet. It's really common for hidden medical issues to surface too which add to extra cost (even something like a dental is £££).

Pipsqueakpopsqueak · 21/02/2023 20:36

Is it a charity for a breed that suffers particularly with a particular health issue? Eg. Brachycephalic breeds such as bulldog/frenchie/pug with obstructive airway issues etc? If so, I expect that is why they charge what they do - high chance the dog could need surgery/treatment before rehoming which can easily run into the thousands. Plus neutering which would be swallowed by that £70 surrender fee. Add onto that food, cleaning, bedding, flea and worming, electricity, time. The charity isn’t getting a “free” dog to sell on and make a profit from.

I genuinely wish you all the best, I appreciate with the best of intentions people fall on hard times. It must be a heartbreaking decision
to make.

Blueberrymuffin03 · 22/02/2023 00:01

'I could go on gumtree now and sell her for £700 easily'

The dog is a year old covid times are over people aren't paying those prices any more.

SkyHippoOnACloud · 22/02/2023 00:11

Surely this must put people off?

It's designed to do exactly that. The clue is in the name, "rescues" or sanctuaries are for neglected and abused animals. They're full up. They don't have space for the unwanted who could be sold, the terribly behaved who can't be rehomed and needs to be PTS, or the ill/injured with owners who can't afford vet fees who also due to this need to be PTS. These charities aren't a dumping ground for people who don't want to take responsibility for their pet. With the CoL crisis I expect donations are down too. It would cost way more than £750 to take in, assess, care for and re-home your dog. It's your responsibility to do that.

somethinginthewater · 22/02/2023 11:20

If you surrender a dog to a council pound you have to pay a fee.

People expect rescues to take in unvaccinated, unneutered dogs with health and behavioural problems without even offering a donation. Getting a dog ready for adoption costs money.

So called 'breeders' who won't help is the norm.

Spanielsarepainless · 22/02/2023 11:20

I volunteered until recently with a gundog breed rescue and our surrender fee was similar. Can your dog not be returned to the breeder? Reputable ones have a contract with buyers saying they need to be first port of call.

Eyesofdisarray · 22/02/2023 11:29

Sorry to hear this OP
Dogs Trust don't charge a re homing fee

Welfast · 22/02/2023 12:19

I think it's fair. When my mum died we had to give her cat up for adoption as nobody in the family could keep her. Gave a donation of £300 to the rescue.

gettingalifttothestation · 22/02/2023 12:27

There is no reason in this world why I would ever rehome my dog Unless I died. And your complaining about 75 pounds. Get a grip and don't ever get another dog there's no excuse

PeonyRose80 · 22/02/2023 12:31

What breed is it?

WFHbore2023 · 22/02/2023 13:01

What the hell is wrong with people?

OP - I'm sorry you have to give up your dog, that's absolutely heartbreaking.

I would do as others have suggested and ask if your could possibly pay in instalments.
Surely it would be in the interests of the dog, as if the £75 can't be afford then the running costs of owning a dog wouldn't be possible either.

I hope your luck changes soon.

WFHbore2023 · 22/02/2023 13:04

gettingalifttothestation · 22/02/2023 12:27

There is no reason in this world why I would ever rehome my dog Unless I died. And your complaining about 75 pounds. Get a grip and don't ever get another dog there's no excuse

You have to leave an abusive relationship.

The only safe option for you in a refuge.

They do not allow pets.

So, your options are homeless, which is far from ideal for your dog, or to rehome your dog.

You and your dog are hitting the streets then, yeah?

Floralnomad · 22/02/2023 13:14

Depending on the size of the dog the £675 adoption fee may only just about cover the cost of the neutering , let alone any other problems they have to sort out . £75 is reasonable to surrender a dog , particularly an unneutered dog . Frankly lots of people just take the mick out of places that are there to help them .