Copyright MassLive
At Dakin Humane Society, we often receive questions regarding our adoption fees. Many of them are thoughtful, some curious, and others simply wondering why adoption costs are high. We’re glad when people ask, because it gives us a chance to explain what goes into creating these fees and why they’re not arbitrary numbers. Dakin’s adoption fees are within the typical range of other shelters throughout Massachusetts and neighboring states; however, in other parts of the country, you may notice that adoption fees can be significantly lower. The reason for that difference is due to regional economics and animal welfare infrastructure. In New England, the cost of living and veterinary care are among the highest in the country. Veterinary services, medications, medical supplies, and staffing costs are all influenced by local market conditions, which can drive up the cost of caring for each animal. Shelters here also invest heavily in medical treatment, behavioral support, and enrichment to ensure pets are adequately prepared for adoption and avoid euthanasia of treatable animals. In many other states, where the cost of living is lower and shelter intake is higher, adoption fees may be lower, but those facilities face different challenges and, in some cases, limited veterinary access or smaller operating budgets. On average, it costs Dakin about $950 to care for each pet who enters our shelter. Some pets require less, while others far exceed that amount. This figure represents more than the cost of vaccines and a spay or neuter surgery. It also includes flea, tick, and ear mite treatments, microchipping, feline leukemia (FeLV) blood testing for cats, and a veterinary exam. More importantly, this cost covers our greatest asset, the expertise and dedication of our animal care and veterinary team. These professionals feed, monitor, medicate, provide enrichment and comfort every animal in our care. Their time, skill, and compassion are essential to helping animals recover and be placed on a pathway to adoption. Payroll for these staff members is a significant part of our cost of care, but it’s also one of the most valuable investments we make. Without their expertise, the level of treatment and individual attention that Dakin provides simply would not be possible. Many animals arrive at Dakin needing more than the standard care mentioned above. Some come from neglect situations or with untreated medical conditions that require additional treatment before they can be healthy enough to go home. This includes anything from skin treatments and parasite control to more complex procedures such as amputations or other surgeries. Ten years ago, many open admission shelters across the country were doing far less of this level of medical care, but euthanasia rates were far greater. Today, about 65% of the animals entering Dakin need some form of treatment beyond basic adoption preparation. This shift reflects how shelters have evolved, moving away from limited treatment options and higher euthanasia rates toward a model focused on treatment and behavior management. That progress, however, comes with higher costs. In 2015, the average cost to care for one animal at Dakin was around $500. It later rose to $705, and today it stands at $950, mirroring rising veterinary costs and the increased number of animals needing advanced care. Dakin operates on a $5.9 million annual budget with 50% of our revenue coming from individual donations and community support. Those donor dollars are critical. They allow us to offset our cost of care and keep adoption fees lower than the cost we incur for that animal and as affordable as possible for our community. Even with current adoption fees, the amount collected rarely covers the full cost of care for each animal. Additionally, some people worry that reducing or waiving adoption fees during promotions could lead to impulsive adoptions or to people who can’t afford long-term care. These concerns are valid, and Dakin balances them carefully. Our adoption process focuses on thoughtful matchmaking, talking with potential adopters about their lifestyle, home environment, and resources to ensure a successful adoption. We reserve donor supported funds to lower or waive adoption fees when needed, most often during the summer months when shelter capacity repeatedly reaches its limits. These strategic fee reductions help ensure that animals continue moving into homes and that space remains available for new arrivals. The vast majority of adopters, regardless of fee level, provide loving, responsible homes. We remain committed to finding the right balance between accessibility and responsibility and keeping adoption within reach for more families while ensuring every animal’s long-term wellbeing. Ultimately, every adoption fee represents far more than a price tag. It reflects the care, expertise, and compassion that makes each pet’s new beginning possible.
