Rescues think far past the intial fee to adopt, they have to think about the emergency rescue bills that will arise should the animal become sick, or need surgery, if the owner cannot afford something like that, then they shouldnt be putting the animal in that position and should not have a pet. In this case it is better to have them be at rescue because emergencies can be addressed immediatly because they have the money to do it.
I've seen a lot of rescues begging for food, for blankets, for items for their rescue critters. It is my opinion that many smaller rescues do not in fact have the kind of funds needed for very expensive surgeries and/or emergencies. I do not think that is an adequate reason to deny someone an adoption. It is surprising just how much can be scraped together or put on a credit card if the need should come up.
