Have you always wanted to take care of a dog, but you just can’t go on with it because it’s too expensive to buy a purebred puppy? Don’t worry. There’s actually a solution for that. If you happen to be a self-confessed dog lover, and you want to own your first pet without spending so much, then go to an animal shelter where you can choose a mutt you wish to adopt. By doing this, you get to save a poor dog’s life and spare a few dollars for your dog’s first pack of dog food and other pet care essentials.
Typical Costs in Adopting a Dog
Now that you are aware of a dog adoption, it is normal to ask one of the most basic questions, how much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Oftentimes, the cost you pay to purchase a dog from a dog breeder is, at least, $500 to $1,000 or more, and that’s just the price for an adorable puppy – sometimes, nothing else is included. But when you adopt a dog from an animal shelter, the dog adoption fees may range from nothing to $250, according to The Nest. Anything over the maximum cost is already considered a price from a breeder.
Factors Affecting the Costs
However, the costs can vary based on where you get the dog. If the dog is housed in a government-owned facility (i.e. dog pound), then expect the fees to be really low. Meanwhile, a county dog facility, where the necessary resources (e.g. vaccines and veterinary care) are available, can cost higher than a private animal shelter, which is dependent on the donations from the private sector and non-profit organization.
For example, the Animal Humane Society. It is a private animal shelter based in Minnesota. It charges an administrative fee of $20, which is still subject to taxes, for adopting a dog. This adoption fee is worth it as it includes the following benefits:
– General Physical Examination
– Behavioral Evaluation
– Distemper Combination Vaccination, Bordetella, and Rabies Vaccination
– Deworming Medication
– Flea or Tick Treatment, if necessary
– Neuter or Spay Surgery, if necessary
– Heartworm Test
– Free Follow-up Examination
– Free Medications for the first two weeks, if necessary
– Return Period for 30 Days
– One Bag of Pet Food, for free
– Free Identification Tag
Aside from the facilities, the cost of adopting a dog can also differ based on the total costs that the shelter has spent in taking care of the adopted dog. This is the reason why a lot of animal rescue centers adjust the dog adoption fees in relation to the dog’s age and current health condition.
Petfinder.org, the largest pet adoption website, has provided a cost breakdown that most animal shelters give to the dogs before they get adopted. So, adoption costs typically included the following:
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Visit and check-up at the veterinary | $50 to $100 |
| Neuter or Spay Surgeries | $150 to $300 |
| Distemper Vaccinations | $40 to $60 |
| Rabies Vaccinations | $15 to $25 |
| Heartworm Tests | $15 to $35 |
| Flea or Tick Treatment | $50 to $200 |
| Deworming | $20 to $50 |
| Microchip Implant | $50 |
| Collar and Identification Tag | $5 to $10 |
_______________________________________________________________________
TOTAL $395 to $730
Although it’s beyond the $250 mark, there are only a few rescue groups or shelters that charge around $395 to $730 for a dog adoption fee. Moreover, if you choose to adopt a dog for free, then you should expect that the canine comes without any form of medical care. You may have saved yourself from spending on adoption costs, but you will definitely pay higher fees for the medical care once the dog is in your hands, so be sure to weigh things before spending your money on anything.
Reductions of Dog Adoption Fees
Between an adoption and a purebred puppy, the cost of adopting a dog is evidently more economical than a buying a puppy from a breeder or a pet store. In most cases, the adoption fees tend to go lower than the usual prices as the dogs stay longer at the shelter. This is because the volunteers want to make sure that they are able to find decent homes for the dogs.
If you still feel that the dog adoption fees are too high for your budget, then you may want to join some events. Apparently, there are instances when special occasions are being conducted so that people will have a chance to see the dogs ready for adoption. The adoption costs also become cheaper, and sometimes, people can even get the canine for free.
Special Dog Adoption Events
Animal shelters oftentimes spearhead and sponsor special dog adoption events where the cost of adopting a dog becomes more affordable. They usually show old dogs since they are less adoptable, while the adoption fee is relatively lower than that of a younger mutt. But even if there are no special events, old dogs don’t easily get adopted most of the time, that’s why they are shown more on special events to increase the possibilities of having them adopted.
Apart from inviting and encouraging people to adopt a dog, these occasions also give away freebies such as dog treats and dog supplies, as well as, provide free services like dog grooming and training. These events are definitely fun for all dog owners, dog lovers, and of course, the dogs.
Special Promotional Programs
In addition to special dog adoption events, a lot of animal shelters and rescue groups also participate in other social occasions. These are special promotional programs, which non-profit organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and national corporations such as Purina and PetSmart, sponsor and conduct.
One of these programs is the PAWS for Seniors promotion where it is participated by senior citizens, ages 60 and above. They can adopt old dogs for a small price or without any payment at all. Another program is the Seniors Saving Seniors where the elderly participants can adopt old dogs that are already sterilized, vaccinated, and implanted with microchips – free of charge as well.