Adopt a dog how much

While their companionship is priceless, there are tangible costs that come along with bringing home a new dog or puppy. Ultimately, it depends on factors like the type of dog you get, where you live, where you shop, and what kind of squeaky toys you decide to spring for.

Basic costs, of course, are just that—basic, and even those can vary widely, as you can see in the chart below. Find more details here. Beyond the basics, some additional puppy costs may pop up. Some are fun splurges, others are necessary medical care, but either way, if you can stash away some cash, it may help with the extras and the unexpected, like those listed below.

When it comes to pet care costs, there are a lot of ways to save, including these ideas below:. Consider an Adult Dog: How much does a puppy cost versus a grown dog?

It definitely depends, but in many instances, adult dogs need less training and have already undergone necessary veterinary procedures, bringing your costs down considerably. If your heart is set on a puppy, however, you can still bring down costs by choosing adoption. Speaking of …. Team up for Training: There are a number of apps available to help train your dog, along with videos and online training tips.

Do some research and tackle the challenge together as a team. Put Some Savings in the Bowl: Pet food will likely be your biggest expense.

By submitting your email address, you consent to us sending you money tips along with products and services that we think might interest you. You can unsubscribe at any time. Before we get into the costs of adopting a dog, it's important to note why this information is important. While adopting a dog can give them the home they need, it can also prove to be too costly for some people.

Financial hardships like these make it more likely that an adopted dog will be abandoned, returned to the shelter, or rehomed. It can also increase the likelihood of these adopted dogs being deprived of quality food or necessary veterinary care. Adopting a dog you can't afford can be devastating for both you and the pup, so before you take the leap from pet-free to dog owner, make sure you weigh the costs and double check that you can afford them.

The alternative is worse than having to wait until your finances are stable to make your move. There are tons of one-time and ongoing costs associated with adopting a dog.

These costs depend heavily on the size of the dog you're adopting, among other factors. Add in the average total additional costs -- or costs outside the norm for things like boarding, pet rental deposits, and other optional but pricey purchases -- and it can get a lot more expensive. So, why is it so expensive to adopt a dog?

Well, there are a number of different expenses calculated into that total, including:. What you actually pay will depend on a ton of different factors, including what the shelter charges in your area and often the age of the dog you're adopting.

Puppies typically come with a higher adoption fee, while senior or hard-to-place dogs are generally cheaper to adopt. Depending on where you adopt your dog from, you may have to pony up the costs to spay or neuter your pet. If you're going to adopt a dog, be prepared for the food costs. That includes the costs for regular exams, vaccinations, heartworm preventative, and topical flea and tick preventative.

What the routine vet care estimate does not include, however, are any medical emergencies or ongoing health care costs for chronic illnesses with your pet. Pet health insurance is optional coverage for your pet's vet care, but it can be well worth the monthly charges to keep a policy on your dog. Rover estimates those costs could be much higher, depending on your location and other factors. Toys are also optional, but your new puppy or dog will need at least a few of them to keep themselves occupied.

And you'll want to toss a few their way, too, in order to give them something to chew on besides your furniture. Your dog may be more comfortable in a crate after life in the shelter. That answer is pretty personal, but if we're judging by the response to Rover. The money goes back to the shelter to take care of the other animals and you are set up to go home with everything you need to make the first day the best day. Puppies require regular vet visits throughout their first year.

If your pup was not spayed or neutered before he came to you, consider asking your vet about local low-cost clinics. After that, an annual check-up is required and includes on-going vaccines. For example, rabies is offered as a 1-year or 3-year vaccine, at different prices. Your city may also require you pay an annual fee to register your dog. Attending a training class is a wonderful way to learn how to communicate with your pup. Playtime at the dog park may require an additional license fee to the local municipality.

And there are all kinds of services that cater to pet owners.