Adoption fees on the rise at Humane Society of Imperial County

Due to the cost of medical treatments for their animals, the Humane Society of Imperial County is raising their adoption fees.

While the Humane Society has an annual budget of roughly $400,000, the shelter is mainly funded through donations.

A fourth of that budget goes towards medical treatments such as vaccinating, spaying and neutering and microchipping the animals.

While the rise in fees might give residents second thoughts about adopting animals, one official from the Humane Society said that maintaining the health of the animals is their top priority.

“You know so wherever people choose to go adopt at least they’re adopting. They’re saving a life. But you know we try to provide a better quality service to our adopters and to our community. And you know in order for us to do what we need to do for these animals, we have to be compensated properly,” said Devon Apodaca, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Imperial County.

Apodaca said the adoption fees could go as high as $20 more than their current price.

The rise in the adoption fee will begin on October 1st.