How much does it cost to adopt a pet from a shelter
Introduction
While the initial cost of adopting a pet from a shelter is less than purchasing an animal from a breeder or pet store, this is only part of the picture. You also have to factor in ongoing expenses such as food, training and veterinary care. Adopting from your local animal shelter is one of the best ways to save money when bringing home a new companion. The adoption fee helps cover expenses like spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, food and staff time. Some shelters also include microchipping as part of their adoption fee. Shelters charge fees because it costs money to keep pets healthy and happy before they’re adopted out into homes!
A more expensive pet can be a better option if the money you spend upfront on quality care prevents the need for expensive medical treatments in the future.
If you adopt a pet from a shelter, your cost will be the price of adoption. You’ll also need to create an emergency fund for unexpected vet bills and annual checkups. That said, if you adopt from a breeder or rescue group, expect to pay even less because they charge less than shelters do (but make sure they’re reputable!).
If you choose to buy from a pet store instead of adopting—and this is rare—the cost will be higher than adopting from any other source. The reason: Pet stores sell animals bred in puppy mills and kitten factories where profit is placed above animal welfare.
It’s important to note that there are no guarantees when it comes to saving money by buying rather than adopting. The problem with spending money on pets with unknown backgrounds is that many have health problems or behavioral issues that require expensive veterinary care later on down the road.
If the shelter charges you to adopt they may also have pets at a no-cost adoption event or available through a rescue partner.
Shelters have many ways to help you save money on adopting a pet. Many shelters offer what is called a “no-cost adoption event” where they waive all fees, including spay/neuter, to encourage people to adopt more animals. Some shelters also work with local rescue groups and allow them to do their own adoption events at the shelter so that they can assist in placing more pets in homes. If you are looking for a specific breed of dog or cat but do not want any purebreds, this is your chance!
Shelters charge fees because animal sheltering is an expensive endeavor.
Animal shelters do not make money from adoption fees. They are non-profit organizations and are funded by donations, the public, the government, grants and fundraising.
The adoption fee helps cover expenses like spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, food and staff time.
The adoption fee helps cover expenses like spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, food and staff time. The cost of these services can add up quickly. Spaying or neutering a pet can cost $50-$300+ depending on the size of your pet and the type of surgery they need. Vaccinations vary in price but usually cost between $20-$50 per shot. Food is also expensive; I spend about $15 per month on dog food for my large breed dogs (they eat about 2 cups each per day).
Spay/neuter surgeries are expensive because they require specialized equipment and highly trained surgeons who specialize in these types of procedures. It takes time for shelters to train staff members who can administer vaccines properly so that animals have immunity against diseases without suffering adverse side effects such as vomiting or swelling from an injection site infection caused by improper administration technique.
Some shelters also include microchipping as part of their adoption fee.
Microchipping is another good idea. The cost of microchipping your pet is very low and the procedure takes only a few seconds. Microchips can be used to reunite you with your lost or stolen pet, and they can also help other shelters find homes for animals that have been separated from their families. However, microchips are not a substitute for collars and ID tags—it’s always important to provide as much identifying information about your pet as possible!
The cost of paying for staff salaries, adequate food and shelter, equipment and supplies for proper medical care greatly exceeds whatever fees the shelter charges for adoption.
The cost of paying for staff salaries, adequate food and shelter, equipment and supplies for proper medical care greatly exceeds whatever fees the shelter charges for adoption. The average annual cost to a private animal shelter to care for one dog is $1174.16 (American Humane Society). Shelter dogs are also routinely spayed or neutered before being adopted out, vaccinated against infectious diseases like rabies (required by law in most states), treated for parasites like fleas and ticks, and microchipped so that lost animals can be reunited with their owners more easily.
All these expenses add up quickly—and they’re only part of the equation when it comes to adopting a pet from your local animal shelter.
Adopting from your local animal shelter is one of the best ways to save money when bringing home a pet.
Adopting a pet from your local animal shelter is one of the best ways to save money when bringing home a pet.
Why? The answer is simple: because you’re saving money!
When you adopt from a shelter, you avoid paying for all of the costs associated with purchasing an animal that has already been created. When you buy a dog or cat, you have to pay for its food, medical care and other expenses during its lifespan (which can be up to 15 years). By adopting your furry friend instead of buying it, not only are you saving yourself tons of money but also giving another lucky animal in need a chance at life and love.
Conclusion
Adoption fees are an integral part of the animal sheltering world, and they’re there for a reason. They serve as an essential source of revenue for many shelters, helping them to keep their doors open and their animals healthy. But most importantly, adoption fees help ensure that you get a pet that is happy, healthy and ready to become your family member. This is true whether you adopt from your local shelter or from another type of organization that charges a fee.