We're finally raising our adoption fees. Here's why.

For the past eight and a half years, SWCR's adoption fees haven't gone up a single penny. They've been $175 for dogs between ages 1 and 9; $225 for puppies under age 1, and $125 or less for senior dogs age 10 and above. But during the same period, SWCR's costs — especially veterinary costs, which are 85 percent of our total expenses — have increased relentlessly.

We're certainly not alone. Nationwide, dog owners now spend an average of $852 per dog, per year, on veterinary care alone, according to the American Pet Products Association. That's up 30% just since 2010!

Dog rescue groups can easily pay a lot more. Many of the collies and shelties we rescue haven't received vet care for years. They have injuries that were neglected and diseases that were never diagnosed. When they come to us they need a lot of care, all at once. Many also need to be spayed or neutered.

So our new adoption fees, which take effect immediately, are as follows:

Dogs between ages 1 and 9, $225.
Puppies under age 1, $275.
Senior dogs age 10 and above, $150 (negotiable depending on age and health).

In setting these fees, we also looked at those currently charged by other rescue groups in the region. We were surprised to discover minimum adoption fees of $250, rising to as much as $375 for younger dogs. So we believe our new fees now are more in line with those of our colleagues.

A NEW WAY TO HELP SWCR RAISE MONEY…

Do you shop on line through Amazon.com often? Then bookmark smile.amazon.com for those future purchases. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support SWCR every time you shop Amazon, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price directly to SWCR.

You can use your same account for Amazon.com for AmazonSmile. So shop, shop, shop and help SWCR too!!!

GUNTHER – A COLLIE MIX

Sex: Male
Color: Tri
Variety: Smooth
Age: 4
Rescued: Tucson AZ March 2014
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Coordinator: Bill Ferrill at bkferrell@cox.net