How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Dog?
Senior Content Manager - Pawlicy Advisor
Are you thinking of adding a furry friend to your family? Adopting a dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's essential to understand the costs involved.
While the initial adoption fee might seem manageable, there are several other expenses to factor in to ensure you can provide the best possible life for your new companion. Let's dive into each one below:
- Dog Adoption Fees
- Initial Expenses When Adopting a Dog
- Ongoing Costs For Dog Owners
- Total Cost of Dog Ownership
- Conclusion
Dog Adoption Fees
The cost of adopting a dog varies widely. On the lower end of the price range, you can find dog adoption fees (AKA "rehoming fees") around $50 to $80, while other organizations might charge $500 or more.1
Factors like the dog's age, breed, health, and the type of organization (shelter, rescue, etc.) all impact the adoption fee. In most cases, purebreds and puppies cost more while senior dogs typically cost less to adopt. For example, the French Bulldog breed will usually cost a lot more than a mixed breed from the shelter.
Initial Expenses When Adopting a Dog
Once you've brought your dog home, there are several initial costs to consider. These typically include:
- Spaying/Neutering: This surgery can cost $50 to $100, although some shelters include it in the adoption fee.
- Vaccinations: Depending on your dog's current health status, they may need additional vaccinations.
- Microchip: A microchip for identification purposes usually costs $35 to $50.
- Collar, Leash, ID Tag: These basic supplies add up to around $20 to $50.
- Crate: A crate for training and safety costs around $50 to $100.
- Bedding: A comfortable dog bed runs around $20 to $50.
- Toys and Chews Plan for at least $20 to $50 initially.
- Food and Water Bowls: Stainless steel bowls cost around $10 to $20.
- Initial Supply of Food: The cost varies by breed size and quality of food. A five-pound bag can cost anywhere from $20 to $100+ and may last between a week and a month.
Overall, initial dog adoption costs can range from $670 to upwards of $2,320.
Ongoing Expenses
After the upfront costs, adopting a dog involves ongoing expenses you'll need to budget for:
- Monthly Food: This varies greatly by breed size, with small breeds costing around $20 to $40 per month and large breeds $50 to $75 per month.
- Pet rent (if applicable): Renters with pets may be subject to a pet deposit and/or an additional monthly rent that you'll need to cover, ranging from $50 to $250.
- Heartworm Prevention: This medication usually costs $5 to $10 per month.
- Flea and Tick Prevention: Similar to heartworm prevention, expect $5 to $10 per month.
- Annual Vaccinations: Booster shots can cost $15 to $100 per shot.
- Wellness Exam: An annual check-up with your veterinarian costs around $50 to $100.
- Potential Health Issues: Depending on the breed and individual dog, there may be costs for addressing hereditary health issues, such as hip dysplasia. And, no matter how cautious we may be,
This last variable is often the most expensive and the only one you can't predict. Statistics show that pet owners incur a vet bill of $1,000 or more every six seconds in the United States — and emergency care can easily add up to fixed times that amount.2
Being financially prepared is paramount, but most families would experience a financial burden if they received an unexpected $5,000 vet bill.
Pet insurance is a great way to ensure you can afford to pay for your dog's recurring costs month over month, and won't face hardship due to their medical bills should the unthinkable ever happen.
"It's a good idea to get pet insurance for rescue dogs, even if they have a known health condition because you can still get coverage for unrelated medical issues that may pop up unexpectedly at any point in the future."
The Total Cost of Dog Ownership
All in all, the average cost of owning a dog is around $1,500 per year or $125 per month.3 Over a dog's average lifetime of 10 to 15 years, that adds up to $15,000 to $22,500+.
Is Adopting a Dog Right for You?
While the costs might seem daunting, the joy and companionship a dog brings to your life is immeasurable. If you're ready to provide a forever home and budget for the necessary expenses, adopting a dog can be an incredibly rewarding decision.
Do your research, consider your lifestyle and budget, and visit your local shelters to meet potential new best friends.
Your new puppy may be small — but their vet bills won't be.
Save big on costs with pet insurance, so you can protect your puppy while protecting your wallet.
References
- MDSPCA, "Adoption Fees"
- Pawlicy Advisor, "When Is Pet Insurance a Great Decision"
- AKC, "Cost of Owning a Dog"
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Senior Content Manager - Pawlicy Advisor
Kaelee Nelson is a die-hard dog mom, part-time dog trainer, and ultimate pet enthusiast. She recently rescued a puppy named Zoey who went from the streets of Mexico to the big lights in L.A. after Kaelee helped her become officially studio-trained for production work, with the goal of strengthen her dog's confidence as well as the bond they share. Kaelee remains passionate about pets in her role as Content Marketing Manager by helping owners prepare for the financial burden that often comes with giving our furry BFFs the best care possible. Enrolling Zoey in a pet insurance policy was a no-brainer for Kaelee, as it enabled her to get reimbursed for vet costs like spaying, vaccinations, routine care, and more.
