Dawn Smith is the founder of Passion for Pooches and pays for all vet and foster care for these animals. The adoption fees are to help cover the high cost of caring for the dogs and puppies. Many that she takes in are very sick and some are even heartworm positive. It is very expensive to treat those dogs. This is why there is an adoption fee. All applications must be approved by Dawn before the adoption can go forward. We love all of the dogs and want them to go to good loving homes.