I am wondering why it's so expensive to adopt a dog? I have a friend who paid $500.00 to adopt a dog! Seems way too expensive. Not to mention these dogs are not raised in Maine & not much is known about them. For $500.00 I could get a pure-bred!

Adopting a dog from a shelter means you are getting an animal that has had a wellness check, is up to date on vaccinations, and has been spayed/neutered at a minimum. Buy a dog & you will have those costs out of pocket on top of paying a breeder (& I won't get into a reputable breeder vs a backyard breeder or puppy mill & feeding into that industry that). If a dog has been transported into the state by a reputable organization it has a wellness certificate to travel. You also get a certificate for a post adoption wellness visit with your vet from many shelters... It's also important for people to recognize the financial commitment of a pet from day one. If you can't afford the fee to adopt how will you afford ongoing vet visits and care or Lord forbid emergency care if your animal has an accident. Adoption fees barely cover the cost of care for most animals let alone overhead for the organization.

That $500 saves a life. It includes a transport fee to get them up here from the south where they were likely in a kill shelter and on the list to be euthanized due to overpopulation. It also includes the spay/neuter surgery and all age appropriate vaccines. A fraction of what your going to pay for a pure bred dog that will need the surgery and all vaccines from your local vet. Adopt dont shop! ❤