Dog Talk: How much is that doggie in the window?

Animal shelters are non-profit charity organisations that depend on well-wishers for funds, which is why they charge a fee when someone adopts a pet or sends a stray litter to them. — 123rf.com

Check any shelter and chances are you’ll find one-star online reviews that complain, “Do not even try to bring in stray litters or adopt here. They will charge you!”

Fee-charging is a constant source of conflict and it’s down to a misconception. Shelters are not taxpayer-funded public services. They are non-profit making charity organisations run by a handful of staff and a tonne of volunteers.