adoption fees
Why do rescues have adoption fees?
Owning a dog comes with expenses - and so does rescuing them! From initial vetting, preventatives, feeding, boarding, transport, spay/neuter, and emergency veterinary care, we routinely spend hundreds (and sometimes thousands) on each dog in our care.
Every dog adopted from Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue is brought up-to-date on vaccinations, given preventatives, spayed/neutered, treated for any injury or illness.
OUR adoption fees
Dogs aged 8 Weeks to 12 Months- $400
Dogs aged 13 Months to 6 Years - $350
Dogs aged 7 Years+ - $250
*New Adoption fees take effect for all adoptions beginning September 12, 2023.
other expenses we cover
Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue focuses on saving the lives of abused, neglected, and abandoned dogs in southern Texas. This means that a vast majority of our dogs come from the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Houston areas. In order to transport these dogs safely to Virginia, they are required to go through a minimum two week quarantine in Texas, either in a veterinary boarding facility or in a foster home. During this time, they receive basic veterinary care and are evaluated for any illness or injury. Once they've been through quarantine, they are evaluated by a DVM for their health certificate - then it's all aboard the transport van!
Quarantine boarding - when not done by a foster - can cost upwards of $1,000 per dog. Transport fees range from $250 - $350 per dog, too. This doesn't include their veterinary care, preventatives, food, etc!
Unlike many local organizations, Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue does not get State or Local funding. Adoption Fees are necessary to help us cover each dog's costs.
Unlike many local organizations, Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue does not get State or Local funding. Adoption Fees, along with donations from dog lovers (like you) are necessary to help us cover every SSR dog's costs.
Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue relies 100% on Donations from Dog Lovers like you!
Costs are going up, but we're doing our best to keep adoption fees low.
We believe having a dog is one of the greatest joys in life, and shouldn't be reserved only for the wealthy. That's why we're doing everything we can to keep our adoption fees low. Please consider helping us keep our adoption fees low by donating to our general fund or by sponsoring a dog in our care.