Whether you are looking to adopt a pet from a private individual or find yourself in the difficult position of needing to rehome a beloved family pet, understanding the financial etiquette around this process is crucial.
A rehoming fee is highly recommended in private transitions to ensure the safety of the animal. However, there is a fine line between a legitimate rehoming fee and backyard breeding/flipping. This guide will help you understand what constitutes a reasonable fee, why these fees exist, and how to spot red flags.
Part 1: What is a Reasonable Fee? (By Animal and Age)
A reasonable private rehoming fee should ideally align with—or be slightly lower than—local humane society or SPCA adoption rates. The fee should primarily serve to offset recent veterinary costs (like spaying, neutering, or vaccinations) that the current owner paid out of pocket.
On average, reasonable fees break down as follows:
1. Dogs and Puppies
-
Puppies (Under 6 months): $150 to $300. Puppies are in high demand, but a private rehoming fee shouldn’t mimic a breeder’s price. If the puppy has its first rounds of shots and a microchip, a fee on the higher end of this spectrum is reasonable.
-
Adult Dogs: $100 to $200. This covers a healthy adult dog.
-
Seniors or Medical Needs: $0 to $50. For senior dogs (typically age 7 or older) or dogs requiring expensive daily medication, the fee is often waived entirely to help the new owner offset future vet bills.
2. Cats and Kittens
-
Kittens (Under 6 months): $75 to $150. This helps cover the initial series of kitten vaccinations and deworming.
-
Adult Cats: $50 to $100. * Senior Cats: $0 to $25. Much like senior dogs, these fees are usually minimal or waived to encourage a comfortable retirement home.
3. Small “Pocket” Pets
-
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs: $20 to $50 (unless the rabbit has been professionally spayed/neutered, which can justify a fee up to $90).
-
Hamsters, Mice, and Gerbils: $10 to $20.
Part 2: Why Private Rehoming Fees Are Necessary
It can be tempting to list a pet as “Free to a Good Home,” especially if you are in a rush or want to do a good deed. However, rescue organizations strongly advise against doing this for several vital safety reasons:
-
Weeding Out Unscrupulous Buyers: Regrettably, there are individuals who scan classified sites like Kijiji or Craigslist looking for free animals to use as “bait animals” for illegal dogfighting rings, or to sell directly to research labs. A modest financial barrier completely stops these individuals.
-
Proving Financial Capability: Owning a pet is expensive. If an adopter cannot afford a $100 rehoming fee, they likely do not have the financial resources to pay for emergency veterinary care, high-quality pet food, or annual vaccinations.
-
Preventing “Impulse” Adoptions: Charging a fee forces the buyer to pause and think seriously about the commitment, rather than bringing an animal home on a whim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a rehoming fee and an adoption fee?
An adoption fee is charged by registered, non-profit shelters or humane societies (such as the Toronto Humane Society or the Calgary Humane Society). These fees are higher (often $300 to $700 for dogs) because they legally cover a complete medical package: mandatory spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, rabies vaccines, heartworm testing, and behavioral assessments. A rehoming fee is charged by a private individual and should only reflect a small fraction of those costs.
What are the red flags that someone is “flipping” pets for profit?
If you see an online ad where the “rehoming fee” for a trendy mixed breed (like a Goldendoodle or French Bulldog) is $800 to $1,500, this is not a rehoming fee—it is a commercial sale. “Pet flipping” occurs when someone buys a cheap or free pet online and immediately reposts it at a massive markup to make money. Always ask for vet records; a legitimate seller will easily provide them.
Is it normal for a rehoming fee to include supplies?
Yes. It is very common and reasonable for a private seller to ask for an extra $50 to $100 if they are including high-value supplies like a large dog crate, a premium glass terrarium, travel carriers, or brand-new bags of specialty food.
Can I legally post a pet for rehoming on Kijiji?
Rules vary by location, but most classified sites have very strict policies regarding animals. Kijiji, for example, bans the outright sale of pets but allows listings under the “Adoption/Rehoming” category. They mandate that a reasonable, flat fee must be stated, and they ban the sale of animals under 8 weeks old to prevent puppy mills from using the platform.
Summary: The Golden Rule of Rehoming
If you are the person rehoming the pet, remember this guiding principle: the goal of a rehoming fee is to protect the animal, not to make a profit or recoup the lifetime cost of owning the pet. * Set a fee between $50 and $200 depending on the animal.
-
Insist on handing over the animal’s official vet clinic paperwork and vaccination history.
-
Trust your instincts—if a prospective buyer refuses to tell you about their lifestyle or home environment, move on to a different applicant regardless of their willingness to pay.