Is $250 too high for a puppy adoption fee?

That's actually not uncommon for a rescue. And why are you unwilling to attend the training classes? Do you have a specific reason? But like I said, 250$ is not to way over priced for a puppy from a rescue? Most rescues do more behaivior testing and adoption fees are one of the few wys they make money.

Our shelter charges $250 - but they include a spay/neuter. They don't offer free classes.

You're looking at another $50-$100 for a spay/neuter which would bring the total cost to $300-$350. Maybe even more. Not including initial supplies, of course. I would continue looking at rescues and shelters to see if they have any comparable dogs that DO come with spay/neuter for a comparable fee.

Has the rescue stated WHY they don't include a spay/neuter? Will they point you to a free or low cost clinic if you adopt from them?

But if this is the dog you want, then i would just pay the fee and take the free classes. Considering the cost of things these days, it isn't that high a price. And private rescue organizations often charge slightly more than shelters because they house the puppies in foster homes.

Generally, when adopting purebred dogs, the price will be higher depending on the shelter/rescue. I've seen it at $400-$500 before. It's a reasonable cost since free training classes are included(which I would suggest you take advantage of and attend). However it's kind of strange that spaying/neutering isn't included-most shelters/rescues I know spay/neuter the animal before placing it in it's new home or require that the new owners get the dog spayed/neutered in a certain time period after they bring the dog home. Is it up to date on it's vaccinations at least? If so, then I would say yes It's a reasonable price.

Our younger dog had an adoption fee of $250 that included spaying, but only because she was spayed at a kill-shelter before she was brought to the one we adopted her from AND because she wasn't a puppy.

I've seen some adoption fees go to $350 and higher for puppies because they are in higher demand, much higher ($500+) for purebreds from private, breed-specific rescue leagues. An older dog usually comes with a lower adoption fee.

So yes, the fee they are asking seems reasonable.

Check out the shelter. Find out if they are a 501(c)3 Non-profit. Most are. If they are, the adoption of an animal is usually issued a tax credit because it is handled as a donation to the shelter (especially in areas with strict laws about buying and selling animals).

I am a foster parent for a rescue organization and we charge that with a puppy, but it includes spay/neuter. Training is a good trade off. I think it is reasonable.

It really depends on the area you live in. In my area it would be on the high end even if the dog was altered. (city/county shelter in this area are under $100 s/n, utd on shots, relevant testing, microchipped etc, private rescues under $150 for all of the above and breed rescue under $300, there is also no difference the the fee for a puppy/kitten or an adult in this area, nor do our shelters charge more for purebreds) In other areas that is the typical placement fee.

Personally I would shy away from shelter/rescue that doesn't alter their dogs before placement. I have no problem with responsible owners leaving their dog intact if they so choose, but the simple truth is responsible rescues don't place intact animals.

Well, I guess you're paying mostly for the classes, and a small fee for the adoption of the animal itself. I'd be willing to pay it. It's reasonable. If it were just for the animal, no spay/neuter and no classes, then I'd probably be less likely to pay it myself.

The shelters where I live usually charge $175 for puppies and $50 for dogs over 1 year. The rescues all charge higher prices for the purebred dogs. The have lots of Boston Terriers that they charge $300 for.

When you consider the time and care and resources it takes to care for abandoned and hurt animals, $250 per pet adoption hardly seems like enough.

Take the classes, you will need them, especially considering you are adopting a dog with a "rep"...not the one you are picking out, but the breed in general.

This is a reasonable fee. The rescue has many expenses in springing and caring for dogs. A staffy absolutely needs training classes, however -- unless you have a preferred class to take with it, I would go with theirs.