It is with regret that we must inform everyone that from the 1st November 2022, the minimum adoption donation will be rising from £300 to £400.
This is not a decision we have taken lightly, the last two years have been difficult for everyone, charities included. We managed to avoid a price increase during covid although our costs were increasing and income decreasing in the hope that post covid times would return us to a more stable revenue. Unfortunately, with the economy not recovering, and instead, the country facing a cost of living crisis, we have been unable to avoid the inevitable in order to survive. The cost of £300 has remained unchanged since 2013 despite inflation year in year out.
The adoption donation has NEVER covered the costs incurred on rescuing a single dog and the IRR team have worked tirelessly with fundraising initiatives to cover the deficit. However, the gap between income and expenditure per dog is now far too great. The cost to rescue a single dog is still twice the average adoption donation and of course, IRR is committed to covering the cost of any pre-existing medical condition diagnosed at the point of adoption for life. This is a policy that will always be non-negotiable, we must be able to choose the right home for every dog, not simply a home that can afford substantial ongoing medical costs.
During the covid increase in demand for dogs, we, unlike many breeders, did not capitalise on that increase in demand and raise prices. The price difference now between a breeder-bought pup and a rescue dog (who could be only weeks or months older) can run into thousands, especially if you consider the cost of vaccinations, passports, neutering etc. So, whilst we are sad to have to place increased financial pressure on those wanting to adopt, we still believe our costs are proportionate and fair considering the support IRR provides.
We are, and will always be, forever grateful to our family of dedicated and loyal supporters who help us balance the books every month by supporting our fundraising efforts via auctions, lottery, and various comps throughout the year. But we appreciate you are also facing rising costs and therefore it would be unethical for us to place more pressure on those of you that already support as much as you can. We have always prided ourselves on the fact that we ONLY appeal for funds for special individual cases, we do not want to be one of those charities that is constantly appealing for funds. This page is a safe place for people to build friendships, share their love of their dogs and those of IRR, not a place people dread visiting because they know we’ll be begging for money yet again. IRR always has, and always will be ethical and transparent.
We know this won’t be a welcome announcement and we wish it wasn’t required, but we have to protect the future of IRR and every future Golden that may need our help.
On behalf of the IRR team, thank you all for your continued support and we hope you will understand.