When did a selling price become a rehoming fee?

Raleigh NC

Description

Since when did it become fashionable to ask for a "rehoming fee" which in fact is a selling price? A rehoming fee was intended as a fee to demonstrate commitment on the part of the pet adopter. It was usually a reasonable fee of a couple hundred dollars or less depending on the breed and/or how pure bred the animal is. Now "rehoming fees" are $800, $1,000, $2,000 and even more. These are not rehoming fees; they are selling prices. Now, I fully support an owner's right to sell an animal for any price they wish. I only wish we would call a spade a spade (...and not a gardening tool).....if it is a selling price, then call it such. After all, at this rate it will only be a matter of time before other types of retailers (Walmart, Target, etc.) will start advertising their selling prices as "rehoming fees" on appliances, clothing, electronics, etc. Imagine your local car dealership suggesting you come get a vehicle for the "rehoming fee" of just $40,000!