SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - With animal shelters packed wall to wall, why is the cost of adopting some dogs so high? ABC 4 talked with the Humane Society and Salt Lake County Animal Services to find out.
If you're in the market for a new animal, you may have noticed some pricey pooches at some of Utah's animal shelters. Animal adopter Angela Kearns says, “You would think that maybe then, they would be lowering their prices or doing a special because there's so many of them.”
Many people might be surprised to know the shelters we spoke with say they have no trouble selling their small dogs at high prices. In fact, they say, that money helps to keep them open. Carlene Wall, Operations Manager with the Humane Society says, “That money that we get from that 300 dollar Chihuahua goes back into the system to help pay for medications or other things that the Black Lab who's sitting there for a month might need while he's here.” April Harris with Salt Lake County Animal Services adds, “That 300 dollars for that one dog is probably saving several dogs lives by then being able to charge a discounted fee for another dog.”
The shelters say the money received also helps to cover the sterilization, neutering, microchip and vaccination fees. If you're in the market for a less expensive pup, they say look for bigger, mixed breed dogs. The Salt Lake County Animal Services will not charge more than 95 dollars, no matter what kind of dog. They even offer free sponsored pets where all upfront costs are covered by donations.
