The Cost of Operating Animal Shelters
| Service | Cost |
| Intake exam | $50 |
| Routine vaccines (DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies) | $50 |
| Spay/neuter | $100 |
| Heartworm test | $25 |
| Microchip | $25 |
| Food | $50/month |
| Heartworm, Flea and tick Preventatives | $15/month |
| Behavior assessment | $15 |
| Operation costs* | $50/month |
| Total cost per dog | $380 |
The cost increases for each month the dog is in the shelter.
*Even though some rescues run 100% volunteer-based, there are still costs involved to keep the operations running. Some costs to consider are staff, office supplies, building rental, cleaning supplies, laundry, outreach, and advertising. This cost is going to vary widely depending on the organization set up and location. I’m guessing $50 is an under-estimated cost.
To save a dog it cost a shelter a bare minimum of $380 and go upwards to $3,000 per dog. This doesn’t even include toys, bones, and other enrichment products that many shelters use to help keep dogs comfortable during their stay.
What’s Included in Dog Adoption Fees?
The adoption fee you pay will typically cover most of the veterinary costs to prepare your new pup to go home with you. According to Crowe and Moreland, that often includes:
The details may differ from shelter to shelter, so new pet parents should ask what’s included in their adoption fee before finalizing their adoption. Some may include additional perks as a “thank you” for giving a dog a new home. (The dog adoption fee at Second City Canine Rescue in the Chicago area, for example, includes 30 days of pet insurance from 24PetWatch.)
Average Cost of Dog Adoption Expenses
The main adoption fee isn’t all that dog adoption entails. Other expenses come with adopting a dog aside from the adoption fees. Therefore, before you adopt a dog, you should determine the expenses covered by the adoption fees and what isn’t covered.
For example, many public shelters don’t spray dogs in their care because they might end up euthanizing them at the end of the day. Some expenses are one-time, while others are ongoing and continuous. The ongoing costs include food costs, routine veterinary care, etc.
You shouldn’t assume that the shelter has sprayed the dog you plan to adopt. And this depends on the shelter you are adopting from. The cost of neutering usually ranges from about 35 dollars to 400 dollars. This falls under the category of one-time expenses for dog adoption.
Food cost is one of the most significant costs to consider before adopting a dog. Dogs are naturally known to consume a lot of food, so be ready for food costs if you are going to adopt a dog. The annual cost of feeding a small or large breed dog usually ranges from about 200 dollars to 400 dollars.
The amount you will spend on food largely depends on the size of the dog you adopt. The bigger the dog, the more you will spend on food. In fact, the quality of the food you are feeding your dog must be great. So if you know you have a low budget, you should choose a small-sized breed.
Poor nutrition might make you spend more money in the long run, especially on veterinary care, because your dog’s health will definitely be affected. The lifespan of your dog is also at risk. A dog that isn’t well fed stands a high risk of dying early. Best Dry Food
Routine veterinary care cost usually ranges from about 200 dollars to 500 dollars, depending on your dog’s medical condition. Regular vet care usually covers vaccinations, tick and flea prevention, heartworm prevention as well as routine examinations.
It is vital that you cultivate the habit of taking your dog to the vet at regular intervals to reduce the possibility of emergencies which will make you spend more than usual. You get to save money in the long run when you ensure regular visits. The Top Flea and Tick Prevention Collar For Dogs
One of our top picks of flea and tick prevention based on convenience, affordability, and long-term usage. Simply place the collar on your dogs neck and they are set to romp and play!
Buying toys for your newly adopted dog is optional. But it would be great if you could get toys for your puppy to keep it busy. Aside from keeping your puppy busy, it also helps exercise and stimulates the dog’s mental health.
The amount spent on toys varies and depends mainly on what you want. But your budget for toys can lie in the range of $25- $50 annually. Toys can also save your furniture from being chewed if you have a destructive dog. It can chew the toys instead of your furniture. Best Cuddling Toy
Dogs that have spent time in the shelter might find crates more conducive. The cost of using crates to train your dog ranges from about $35-$125. If you intend to use beds instead, it will cost you about $50-$200 annually.
The price of the beds usually depends on the size and quality. But it’s advisable to go for good quality and long-lasting beds to save cost in the long run. Best Soft Dog Crate
•Collapsible, good for indoors or outdoors
Unforeseen and unpredictable circumstances that can lead to emergencies can show up. So as a good pet owner, it’s advisable to always prepare for emergencies. Chronic illnesses, disasters, and other emergencies can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.
Emergency hospital visits can cost about 500 dollars to 2000 dollars, depending on the nature of the emergency. Therefore it’s best to always prepare for emergencies by saving extra money.
But above all, make sure the emergency cause is not something that could have been prevented. Always carry out the routine care your dog needs to reduce the chance of emergencies.
Want To Get A Rescue Dog? Watch THIS First!
Sharing your home with a dog is one of lifes greatest pleasures. But even a free-to-a-good-home puppy isnt really free. Providing only the bare-minimum basics has ongoing costs attached; and giving a dog a happy, healthy home for his full lifespan can be expensive. Its always a good idea to evaluate the short- and long-term costs of any big, life-changing decision—and adopting a dog is no exception.
Heres a look at the expenses you can expect, from adoption fees to vet bills, and additional costs you may incur as a dog owner. With an honest look at how much it costs to adopt a dog, you can be certain youre ready to bring home a four-legged family member.