How Much Does It Cost To Adopt A Dog?

I often hear people asking "How much does it cost to adopt a dog?" and I know they are speaking of the actual cost for the dog. But in reality, the cost of adopting a dog is much higher than what you pay for the dog itself.

Unfortunately, many people do not realize that there are quite a few associated costs to dog ownership and end up not budgeting enough money which leaves them short on some of the dog supplies or veterinary care that is necessary for a healthy pet. Here are 6 things you need to budget for when considering adopting a dog.

1. The Cost Of The Dog Itself

Depending on where you adopt your dog, the costs could be anywhere from $10 to $2500 or more. For example, if you answer an ad in the paper or on Craigslist then you will probably get your dog for minimal expense, or even free.

When people ask "how much does it cost to adopt a dog, they are usually thinking of adopting from a shelter and the prices are different in different places. If you adopt from a dog shelter like the Humane Society you will likely pay a couple of hundred dollars. I adopted my dog from a shelter this summer and the fee was $350 but, of course, she came with all her vaccines up to date, was spayed and even had a microchip implanted. The money goes back into the shelter to care for more animals so it is money well spent.

If you go with a pure bred dog from a breeder, then you will probably pay thousands for the dog but you will be getting the exact breed you want and the ability to show and breed your pet with the possibility of making some money.

2. Veterinary Checkup

Whether your new four legged friend comes from a classified ad, the humane society or a breeder you will need to schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a baseline checkup and any booster shots. This is very important as it will allow you to get on schedule for any vaccine boosters as well as start worming if necessary. This will usually cost between $100 and $200.

3. Vaccines

Part of the cost to adopt a dog is the vaccines that every dog must have. Rabies, kennel cough, Lyme disease and a few others will probably be recommended by your vet. While your dog might come with some of these having already been done, many of them require a booster after 6 weeks. Also, the animal shelter or breeder might not give some of the newer vaccines like Lyme disease so you can opt to have your vet do this if it is desired.

4. Any Medical Procedures (Neuter/Spay)

If your pet has not been neutered or spayed then you should have that done. Also, if it is not a pure bred dog, there might be some other minor issues such as dental scaling that need to be performed to make sure your pet is in tip top condition. You might even want to have a microchip implanted. Depending on what you need done, you might be looking at spending $300-$600.

5. Dog Food

Of course part of the ongoing expense of dog ownership is food, but if you are asking "How much does it cost to adopt a dog" then you probably want a good idea of total expenses and dog food is one of them. Obviously, bigger dogs are going to need more food but no matter what size your new pooch is you should opt for a good quality dog food. When you first bring your pet home though, you should start off feeding him the food he has been eating at his former residence. If you want to switch to a new food, then gradually introduce that by mixing in the new food with the old in varying amounts. You should plan to spend $20-$40 for food and treats for the first week or so and then, of course, this would be an ongoing expense.

6. Dog Supplies

One of the most overlooked costs when adopting a dog are the supplies. You'll need all kinds of things to keep your new pet happy and healthy not the least of which is a dog bed and a crate if you plan on crating him. You'll also want to budget for dog bowls for food and water, a leash and collar or harness, pet id tag, toys, doggie dental necessities like toothbrush and toothpaste, brush, shampoo, nail clipper and any vitamins or other grooming supplies your particular breed may require. You'll probably spend over $200 on supplies so keep this in mind when budgeting.

Adopting a dog can be expensive if you want to start your new relationship off on the right foot. But when asking yourself "How much does it cost to adopt a dog" you also need to evaluate what you are getting for your money and when you think of it getting 15 or more years of unconditional love and a friend that is always at your side is a pretty good deal for the money that you pay out to adopt a dog.

Next, find out more about the cost to adopt a dog as well as other aspects of adopting a dog including my free dog training report - Click Here!.