I love animals, and if for some reason I would have to give one of mine up of course I would want it to go to a loving house hold but personally I don't think charging a large "re-homing fee" is the way to make sure it happens...
I have asked some people what they thought about "re-homing fees" because I didn't want my opinion to be the only one heard and this is some of the feedback I got!
"I would charge a re-homing fee if it was for a new litter of puppies and I got them their first check-up and shots, just so I could get some of the money I spent back."
"Re-homing fees are pointless and don't mean that the animal will be going to a GOOD home! Anyone can scrape together enough money for an item if they want to!"
"I wouldn't mind paying a re-homing fee as long as it wasn't a completely ridiculous amount. I wouldn't pay anything over $150, and anyone who is asking for more than that is SELLING their animal not re-homing it!"
So in the end, it is really you the buyer who is going to decide whether or not to pay a re-homing fee, and if so how much you are willing to pay! There are things I would like to throw out there just for those people who are looking to buy/sell an animal.
1. Get the animal ready! Take it to the vet one last time to make sure it is completely healthy. If it isn't neutered/spayed there are many low cost clinics you can take them to! Also make sure they are clean, give them a bath before they meet someone who might be giving them a new home!
2.Advertise wisely! Be cautious of places like criagslist, there are a lot of scammers out there! Use your local clinic to help with getting the word out! Stay away from phrases like "free to a good home", that might bring in the wrong people!
3.Screen everyone! Don't give your animals away to the first person who contacts you. You want to make sure that the people/person taking your animal is going to be able to care for it properly. Get their name, address, and phone number and verify the info. If they live in an apartment make sure that the animals they are getting is allowed in the building. Ask if they have a vet they have in mind where they will be taking the animals, verify this as well if possible!
4. Interview them. Go to their home and see how the animal gets along while it is there. Make sure their home is a safe place for an animal. Remind the potential new owners that this is going to be a big adjustment for the animals and that it may take some time to adjust.
5. PAPERWORK! This is a big one! Always have a new owner sign an adoption contract with a waiver of liability* and keep a copy for your records. A contract will help to protect the dog and the waiver of liability helps to protect you. Let the family know that you would like to touch base in a few days to make sure everything is going well and that they should call you if the adoption doesn’t work out!
*Source to a Waiver of Liability: http://www.sampleforms.org/general-liability-waiver-form.html