Small Animals
Discover our charming Guinea Pigs and Rabbits available for adoption in the Greater Nashville, TN area. All our delightful small animals are health-checked and spayed/neutered where appropriate. Learn more about our simple adoption process.
Rescued Dogs and Puppies
RARE rescues animals, mainly dogs and cats, facing euthanasia in rural animal shelters.
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Dog and Puppy Adoption Fees
Adoption fees help to provide the rescue, vetting and care. They also help to cover heartworm treatments and other treatable ailments that many animals need in order to be available for adoption.
Because adoption fees vary by animal, please check each animal profile for their specific fee.
RARE relies on adoption fees and donations.
Rural Animal Rescue Effort (RARE) is a 501(c)3 non-profit without government funding.
The Cost of Responsible Dog and Puppy Guardianship
Please understand that adopting an animal is a lifetime commitment to that animal and there will be veterinary expenses throughout their life. For instance, annual checkups, preventative care, and emergencies can often cost several hundreds, if not thousands of dollars (especially without pet insurance). Additionally, there will be expenses such as pet food, leash, collar, toys, and other items.
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Monthly Cost: Approximately $100/month for food, heartworm prevention, flea/tick prevention, etc.
Annual Cost: Approximately $1,500/year (including monthly costs)
Emergency Veterinary Visit Cost: Approximately $500 to $2,000 or more depending on illness/injury
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Refunds of Adoption Fees with Dogs and Puppies
Refunds of adoption fees are granted as long as the animal is returned within the 30 day trial period. In the event that an adoptable animal is returned, there are two options. Firstly, you have the option of meeting and starting a trial with a different animal. Secondly, your adoption fee may be refunded, less a nominal fee for incidentals.
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