Some rescues do a lot for the dogs, more than a shelter does. For instance the yorkie that my sister just rescued... she's giving him shots, fixed, microchipped, worming, a vet checkup, and his first grooming. It's not cheap. Then there's the cost of having the dog in foster care, food, leash, crate.. etc..
Plus she has to take losses sometimes for some dogs such as black labs where they cost more to get "adoption ready" than thier adoption fees (usually only $75). Charging more for puppies or small breeds helps to even things out or recoup loses. People aren't willing to pay much for a black lab, but unfortunately those are the ones dying in the shelters that my sister really wants to save.
Then it depends on if the dog had health issues. Sometimes if the dog had medical problems that were expensive the adoption fee is a reflection of some of it. |