I've been doing rescue, rehab, and adoptions for almost 10 years now. It started with a couple of Green Iguanas and escalated from there. In those 10 years we've worked with all types of Iguanas, Monitors (including an 8 foot Croc), Tegus, American Alligators, Bearded Dragons, Burms, Retics, Boas, etc. Our adoption fees range from $5 to $50. We have recieved a couple of fees higher than that for exceptional or rare species. I am currently caring for more than 2 dozen Iguanas, 12 Bearded Dragons, 2 Water Dragons, 4 Savs, an Argus, a Water monitor, a Blackthroat monitor, a couple of Uros, some Spinytailed iguanas, 7 Burms, 3 Retics, about a dozen Boas, 9 tortoises, and assorted other reptiles.

Here is a sample of our (winter) monthly budget:

Utilities: $520
Produce: $200
Bugs: $100
Rodents: $180
Caging: $150 variable
Vet care: $200 variable
Supplies $100 includes cleaners, paper products, bulbs, etc
-----
Total $1450

This does not include transportation costs or emergency vet expenditures. I devote 6-8 hours daily to care, cleaning, food prep, medicating, bathing, etc.

We average about 10-12 adoptions a year. We could probably place many more but we are very particular when it comes to placing our animals. As you can see, our adoption fees don't come anywhere close to covering the expenses. We try to compensate for this by requiring a surrender fee for animals that we take in and by begging for things that we need. We are fortunate to have some items donated.

An animal adopted from a rescue most likely has had veterinary care, is parasite free, and may possibly be well socialized. You don't usually get that from a pet store.

An animal is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. Some rescues place a higher adoption fee on their animals with the hopes that if someone is willing to pay more they will be more responsible with that animal. We charge less but screen very thoroughly.

I hope this may have cleared up some issues for you.

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