Online Medical Classes - Why do people expect a free dog?

Why do people expect a free dog?

My husband and I have been adopted by a stray puppy. We didn't want to send her straight to the shelter, since there is a big chance she would be put down. (as most of you know, the shelters are extremely full) So we have taken her in, gotten her shots, and we are training her. We are only asking for a reimbursement for her shots (which was about $30.) And that isn't even how much the total vet visit was! We posted her online and put up pics, and several people have asked about her. When we tell them that "Yes, there is an adoption/rehoming fee, but it is only $30," they then come up with some excuse as to why they can't pay that ("We live really far, we'll spend that much on gas just to get her" "I thought she was free...") If they don't want to pay a measley $30, then why would I think they would take the initiative to take her to the vet themselves, which will be more than that cost? Why do people expect a dog that is fully vetted, fixed, potty trained, obedience trained, etc... for FREE??? What is wrong with people? (Sorry, I am done venting!) Physiscist- No, I am not advertising her for free. I have plainly stated on my ad that there is a small, reasonable adoption fee... and people still email and think that I will just give her away, or that they can negotiate. LOL @ Jen! Amen to that. I hope we find her a home too! She's a cutie-pie. We would keep her ourselves, but we want to start up fostering again sometime soon, and we can't do that if we have 3 dogs.

Public Comments

Usually people will not pay for a mixed breed dog, if its mixed they just expect it to be free cause that's what most people do with mixed breed dogs, give them away.
People that expect a dog to be free don't need one, and shouldn't have one. That poor creature would wind up in the shelter, as the odds are if someone is given a free dog or critter, that animal winds up 'thrown away' sooner than later. If they don't pay something - and show a willingess to INVEST in a dog - they'll not invest the time, food, care, training, etc. People are just plain dumb.
Good for you! Those people don't deserve her! I also use this method to weed out people when we are placing animals. That is less than the shelter or a pet group would charge. May God bless you for your love for animals!
By charging an adoption fee you are actually weeding out the people who aren't responsible enough to have a pet. Good for you. You'll find someone I'm sure.
no no you're perfectly right. and if someone is not going to pay a REASONABLE!!!! $30 for a dog, then they won't take good care of them. a decent home will be able to shell out a little bit for the dog. most of the people that MUST have a FREE dog are going to re-sell it, sell it to a lab, or use it as a bait dog. that's why they won't pay for it. i'd gladly pay $30 for the adoption fee if i were getting the dog, you sound like wonderful foster parents. use your intuition!
I understand your frustration. These kinds of people are not the ones to adopt to in the first place though. The fee doesn't just cover expenses you've incurred but it filters out the people who either really can't afford to take care of a dog, or have ulterior motives for wanting a dog. It's important to find a good home for the dog and a good home would be someone who understands the fee, it's purpose, and is willing to meet it. You are right $30 is a measly adoption fee. Ignore the ***es trying to get something for nothing, they can't really take care of the dog well anyway.
I don't know why, but please be careful about where and how you post the puppy. Many people - heartless A-holes look for postings like this as a cheap or free meal for their reptiles. I work with a rescue group in FL and look through craig's list postings all the time and see warnings about this. Always make sure to get valid ID from people and just be careful!
We live in a throw away society where if something doesn't work people throw it out You are right to charge the fee - even if you hadn't had to pay that money. It helps weed out the idiots that won't car for the dog in the long run.
Are you advertising a free dog and then hitting them with the "adoption fee" out of the blue? If your are posting a free pet on the internet and then asking for money after they show interest it makes you look like a scammer.
You asking for an adoption fee isn't asking much.. But think of it this way, if they can not pay $30 then they can't afford the a dog in the first place and shouldn't have one. Shoot you should raise the price to $50
They don't really think about that. When people at first want a dog, they don't think about the responsibilities and the money it will cost to take care of one. A lot of people tend to think of dogs as toys. But pets are not animals that can be put on a shelf when you don't feel like being an owner. They're not expendable. I would love to own a dog, however as someone who is focused on their education and their career. I just would not have the time for a dog. And what is sad, a lot of people don't take care of their pets. Its almost like having a child. I think children and pets are life long commitments. I don't think pets are less important than children. I think you should continue to screen people that way. Good for you.
I would weed out anyone that doesn't want to have $30 bucks its clear that they can not give the proper health, food, maintenance charge that puppies require. Keep searching
That good that you took the dog in i don't want to see her go to the shelter i heard to many things about dogs being put down because they don't have a home.Some people wants free dogs so they don't have to pay for a dog.I like our shelter they don't believe in being dogs down we have place that call puppy love they go there to put up for a adoption and hats they take dogs and cats in so they won't be put down to sleep the only they put a dog if the are aggressive.
I hear ya and understand, but what's gonna happen if no one chooses to pay? Some people want something for nothing. Have you checked with the SPCA? They screen potentials for adoption.
Well, the ones that have been calling you are expecting a free dog just because it's not purebred or from a breeder. They think since because it's online, and they are emailing you, that they can get a dog free. These people don't care that it's trained or anything...they are just looking for a free 'pet'. If they can't pay a $30 rehoming fee, don't talk to them anymore. Put something on your ad that says, "No negotiating on price and serious inquiries only!". Maybe that will keep the ner-do-wells away. :)
If someone is stating that they wanted the pup for free. Stay clear from them. If they cant even pay the little amount of 30$ they will definitely not pay for something serious like an illness.
Well Nicole...it's simple...people are tard-heads :) If they are turned off by $30 then they don't need to have a dog anyway. I hope you're able to find the little girl a good loving home that can "afford" to take care of her properly :)
People always want something for nothing. It's irritating how people think that they can get a living, breathing animal as a 'bargain.' Truth is, if they aren't willing to pay a small adoption fee, or any adoption fee for that matter, they aren't going to put the time in to train it and make it a part of the family. The dog will more than likely end up as an outside 'lawn decoration,' that no one will give a second thought to once the novelty of it wears off.