Adoption fee prices increase at Pocatello Animal Services due to high animal care costs

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – While many businesses and non-profits have felt the squeeze of higher prices, the Pocatello Animal Shelter has been pushed to increase their adoption rates to offset care costs. Officials at the shelter say the general inflation has contributed to higher costs across the board, and patrons can help keep the shelter operating by adhering to the new rates.

"Prices are increasing just to help us with the general inflation that we're all feeling," said Sarah Moore, Animal Services Supervisor. "Prices for food, even just water to help clean and give all of the dogs potable water has been increasing so it'll help us balance out the costs a bit more."

The adoption fees go right back into the shelter, without fully covering veterinary care costs. The prices at the Pocatello shelter haven't increased in 2019, and now, Moore says they're just trying to "keep up."

Previously, dogs were at a flat rate of $130, but the shelter has moved to charge based on age of the dog. Cat prices are jumping from $35 to $50. Below is the list of updated adoption fees.

Updated Adoption Fees:

• Puppies (6 months and younger): $200
• Adult dogs (7 months to 6 years): $150
• Senior dogs (7 years and older): $75
• Kittens (6 months and younger): $100
• Cats (7 months and older): $50

"This is still one of the cheapest options you can find compared to other shelters, rescues and especially pet stores or breeders," Moore said.

Currently, the Pocatello Animal Shelter has several larger breeds of dogs that have been sitting for over three months. Moore said the bigger dogs are harder to get adopted, but three months is more than five times the average stay of a dog in the shelter.

"If you're looking to adopt a new best friend, we'd really like you to look at some of these bigger dogs who have been sitting here for a while and getting overlooked," Moore said.