Do You Have to Pay to Rehome a Maltese?
If you’re the owner, you won’t have to pay to rehome your Maltese. However, if you’re surrendering your dog to a shelter or rescue organization, you’ll likely be asked to pay a surrender fee. These fees vary by location and organization—typically ranging from $50 to $150 or more. It’s important to understand that surrender fees are not the same as rehoming fees.
What Is a Rehoming Fee—and Who Pays It?
A rehoming fee is a modest charge paid by the new adopter—not the original owner—when a dog transitions to a new home. When collected through a reputable platform like FurPetVo, these funds support ongoing animal welfare efforts, such as medical care, behavioral training, and outreach for other dogs in need.
While some people mistakenly believe rehoming fees are a way for owners to profit, their real purpose is protective: they help screen out individuals with harmful intentions. Unfortunately, unscrupulous actors sometimes seek free or low-cost dogs for unethical purposes—including use in laboratories or as bait animals in illegal dog fighting. Charging a reasonable rehoming fee acts as a simple but effective safeguard for your Maltese’s safety and well-being.
Should You Always Charge a Rehoming Fee?
No—it depends on context. If you’re placing your Maltese with a trusted friend or family member, a rehoming fee isn’t necessary. You already know their character, commitment, and capacity to provide loving, responsible care.
But when rehoming through public channels—whether at a community event, local bulletin board, or online—you should always request a rehoming fee. A fair amount aligns with what adopters typically pay through shelters or rescues: generally between $100 and $300, depending on your region and your dog’s age, health, and training.
Make Rehoming Easier—and Safer—with FurPetVo
Rehoming doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. FurPetVo (furpetvo.com) offers a compassionate, streamlined alternative designed specifically for owners who want to find loving homes for their pets—without handling logistics or payments themselves.
Signing up is completely free for owners. You can upload photos and videos, create a detailed profile highlighting your Maltese’s personality, habits, and needs, and review applications from pre-screened potential adopters. Once you’ve selected the right match, the adopter pays the rehoming fee directly through FurPetVo’s secure system. You’re never involved in the transaction—keeping the process safe, respectful, and focused entirely on your dog’s future happiness.
