Fees

Why We Charge An Adoption Fee

The Randolph County Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization that relies completely on private donations and its own fund raising abilities to operate. We receive no federal, state or government funding or any funds from any national animal welfare organizations.

  • The fees collected from the adoption of each animal help to offset some of the costs involved in providing care for the animals and preparing an animal for placement into a new home.
  • Canine and feline adoption fees include:
  • A general physical examination and behavioral evaluation by local veterinary services
  • Canine or feline distemper combination vaccination and bordetella (canines only) Age-appropriate canines and felines also receive a rabies vaccination
  • Worming medication
  • Flea/tick treatment (if needed)
  • Canine heartworm test/treatment or feline leukemia test (if age appropriate and meets testing guidelines)
  • Spay/neuter surgery (if needed)
  • Microchip implant

Why We Charge Owner Surrender Fees

Randolph County Humane Society's primary goal is to rescue animals from municipal animal control facilities where they face sure death. We accept a limited number of animals surrendered by the public. We are the only no-kill facility in Southern Illinois to do so.  Acceptance is based on space availability, breed, health and disposition. We must often turn animals away because we simply don't have the resources available to care for them all. We must charge a surrender fee for each animal that we accept. Surrender fee's are used to cover costs incurred to spay, neuter and microchip each animal as required by law.

Due to the number of animals entering and departing our facility, infectious disease is always a concern. We require proof of vaccination for the safety of the animals. RCHS will waive the surrender fee, if all shots are up to date, and proof thereof. We have a special program available for a limited number of senior or special needs pets who meet our eligibility requirements. We expect pet owners to take responsibility for finding their pet a new home before depending on our shelter. We are happy to assist owners by placing photographs of the pet on our website, petfinder.com, and by adding photos to our available for adoption photo album. We prefer to either adopt out or transport pets directly from their original home. Surrender fees are waived if we can do so.