"Non-refundable application fee" (HR)

[HydroPHILE]

Just curious, is this a common practice with equine rescues? Someone alerted me to a TB at a rescue, and when I checked on FAQs about adopting, there was a $150 non-refundable application fee. I can understand any costs associated with checking someone out, but the last time I checked, a criminal background check didn't take $150.

The $150 is also NOT deducted from the adoption fee once approved to adopt.

[saultgirl]

Just curious, is this a common practice with equine rescues? Someone alerted me to a TB at a rescue, and when I checked on FAQs about adopting, there was a $150 non-refundable application fee. I can understand any costs associated with checking someone out, but the last time I checked, a criminal background check didn't take $150.

The $150 is also NOT deducted from the adoption fee once approved to adopt.

I don't know if that's common, but I certainly wouldn't pay!

[JSwan]

Oh my.

[Chief2]

The fee is non-refundable if THEY choose not to adopt out the horse? That opens it up to being a bit of a scam, don't you think? I know of barns that refuse to refund deposits on sale horses if you choose not to buy, but if the sale falls through on their end, that's a different story.

on the other hand...

If you are really over the moon about this horse and think she is the one for you, how about checking the rescue out first to find out what type of reputation they have around town? This would be an excellent place to do that, as many folks have been around the block more than once with the rescue ins and outs. You could easily run a search on the name, or just post a thread asking if anyone has heard about the rescue or dealt with them. It would be a good way to keep yourself safe while getting a horse into a new home. If you like what you see, then ask for a copy of their full contract and read it thoroughly before you apply for the horse, to see if there is anything objectionable built into the terms and policies.

The rescue in question could be perfectly legit and is just searching for an additional way to get funds into the system. It's hard to tell at this point.

[HydroPHILE]

The fee is non-refundable if THEY choose not to adopt out the horse?

If you are really over the moon about this horse and think she is the one for you, how about checking the rescue out first to find out what type of reputation they have around town?

1. The fee is non-refundable all the way around - whether they or I choose not to adopt the horse and if the horse is adopted.

2. The rescue is reputable. I just have not heard about a $150 application fee that is non-refundable....and doesn't get deducted from the adoption fee. Seems a little extreme to me. I have seen a few rescues around the U.S. that have $X application fee (non-refundable) in order to pay for background checks, etc. but then that application fee is deducted from the adoption fee if everything is okay.

I'm not "over the moon" about the horse. I haven't even seen him in person yet, and the requirement is, for additional information and to be considered "serious" about potentially adopting (and to make arrangements to meet him), you must fill out an adoption application.....and pay the fee. I've never had to pay an admission charge to look at a horse.

[eponacowgirl]

Forget it.

When I adopted my two dogs I refused to spend $300 at a no-kill shelter. The dogs already had homes until they were adopted, and I could go pick out a dog who would be euthed at animal control for $45...

Ended up with two "death row dogs" (one couldn't be potty trained and one was turned in twice before me for being destructive) and they're fantastic.

There are plenty of nice, needy horses out there that don't come with a $150 application fee.

[Woodland]

Just curious, is this a common practice with equine rescues? Someone alerted me to a TB at a rescue, and when I checked on FAQs about adopting, there was a $150 non-refundable application fee. I can understand any costs associated with checking someone out, but the last time I checked, a criminal background check didn't take $150.

The $150 is also NOT deducted from the adoption fee once approved to adopt.


It's just wrong :no:

[Lori B]

I hate it when rescues shoot themselves in the foot. I can understand not wanting to have people come out, ostensibly to see a horse and try it, but really just wasting your time and getting a free pony ride. I can understand a non-refundable fee of, I don't know, $35, that would pay for a background / credit check or similar. But $150? They are high.

[War Admiral]

I've heard of non-refundable application fees, but not THAT high. $20-30 is more standard. This pays the rescue back for long-distance phone calls & time spent checking references, etc.

I personally would not pay $150. No way.

[BuddyRoo]

I think it's silly and quite frankly a bad practice if the rescue really wants to move horses! Especially the part where you can't get more information or go see the horse w/o paying it.

One option might be to contact them and just ask about it. IE: "Hey, I'm interested in looking at this horse, but this fee seems a little odd to me. I'm inquiring. I'm not ready to apply to adopt. I want to learn more about the horse first. If the fee can be waived, I'm still interested. If not, I will look elsewhere."

[cowgirljenn]

$150 is high, IMHO. Bluebonnet requires all adoption applicants to become members. That's $25-$100 (depending on what kind of membership they chose - they're welcome to chose the $25 category and most do). That amount helps offset the cost of gas for the volunteer who goes out for the home visit and phone calls and any other misc. costs we incur getting them approved. As a side benefit, those who want it also get to be members, get access to our members-only lists, get discounts on some clinics, can come to some events for free, etc.

[Chief2]

If you can't even see the horse without paying the fee, I say forget it.

[HydroPHILE]

I've heard of non-refundable application fees, but not THAT high. $20-30 is more standard. This pays the rescue back for long-distance phone calls & time spent checking references, etc.

I've seen many that are $20-$40, but not $150.

[RockinHorse]

If you can't even see the horse without paying the fee, I say forget it.

completely agree :yes:

[ESG]

That's insane. Way to ensure that no one will buy/adopt from your rescue, guys! :rolleyes:

Reminds me of the poster who went to look at a sale horse, only to be told that to try it would cost them $90 for a lesson with the trainer. Sent them on their way pretty sharpish, as it would have done me.

People are so stupid sometimes. :no:

[MVR]

I think that is extremely high. Our org charges a $10 fee and it is considered a donation if you don't adopt.

[equineartworks]

$150 is high, IMHO. Bluebonnet requires all adoption applicants to become members. That's $25-$100 (depending on what kind of membership they chose - they're welcome to chose the $25 category and most do). That amount helps offset the cost of gas for the volunteer who goes out for the home visit and phone calls and any other misc. costs we incur getting them approved. As a side benefit, those who want it also get to be members, get access to our members-only lists, get discounts on some clinics, can come to some events for free, etc.

Jenn I think that is an excellent policy.

I remember one rescue I visited ages ago had a pre-adoption checklist of documents that had to be supplied. You had to provide photos of your property, have notorized copied of id and had to have letters of reference sent directly from veterinary and farrier references. And also...and I thought this was an excellent add...a signed copy from the Town (etc) stating that zoning and code was ok, and a letter from their insurance co. At first I was thinking "Wow, I bet they don't get many applicants" and then I thought "Wow...I bet they get GOOD applicants!". You paid a $35 application fee that was credited toward an approved adoption, but not otherwise. I think if you knew going into it what was required, including a background check, you would be more inclined not to worry about the non-refundable deposit because you would have what the rescue required and not be going it blindly. They also physically inspected the property and horse every 6 months.

We didn't get a horse from them because they were mostly young and we wanted an old and greenie approved horse. But we felt fully informed of what would be required of us and were willing to provide the info they required so the non-refundability (Is that a word?!?!? ) wasn't an issue.

***eta*** I would never do a $150 regardless. I think that is, well, really dumb.