Can an adopter negoiate a price with a local SPCA?

The only thing it would be acceptable to do is talk to the shelter manager about the posted online prices vs the one you were told. Have you brought this dog to your veterinarian for a wellness exam? As a shelter worker myself, aging a pet is not a perfect science but it would surprise me if they were really that far off on the age of the dog! You can also look for changes in the eyes to help you age an animal in addition to the teeth. Our adoption fees at my shelter range from $150-300 based on age and breed (i.e. puppies aren't as common so their fees are higher. some of our dogs are put through additional training so their fees are higher) With the cost of everything increasing these days, it is doubtful that you could get a dog neutered,vaccinated and microchipped at a regular vet clinic. As for potential health problems with an older dog, that is a reality with older animals but that is also something that happens to people who purchase puppies from backyard breeders or if a young dog gets hit by a car. The adoption fee barely covers some of the expense that was put into the animal. Please remember that your SCPA is probably a not for profit organization and your adoption fee goes to care for the other animals coming through the doors