How much does pet adoption cost?

While you can’t put a price on puppy kisses, dog adoption costs money. Most reputable animal shelters, pet adoption centers, and rescue groups are nonprofit organizations, yet they still charge adoption fees to take home a new dog, cat, or small animal, such as a rabbit or guinea pig. 

These fees help pay for food and veterinary care while animals are under their care. They also help the organization pay for its administrative expenses. Adoption fees are typically less than the organization spent taking care of each specific animal, because charitable donations often help offset their costs. 

Here are typical pet adoption fees for different types of animals, along with other expenses you can expect when bringing home a new pet.

The cost of adopting a rescue animal typically includes vaccinations (a distemper vaccine for dogs, FIV and feline leukemia vaccines for cats, and bordetella and rabies vaccines for both). Most organizations also perform a heartworm test, deworming, microchipping, spay/neuter surgery, and any other medical treatments the animal may need. Some organizations will also provide a limited amount of post-adoption medical care.

The typical adoption fees for different types of animals include:

The wide range of prices is due to the fact that some rescue organizations are funded largely by generous donations, which allows for a lower adoption fee per pet. Other organizations—especially smaller, local rescue groups—are primarily funded through adoption fees, with little to no charitable fundraising. As such, these groups charge higher fees to continue paying for animal care. 

Also worth noting, organizations often charge more for purebred dogs, non-shedding dogs, and small breed dogs because these pets are in greater demand. 

Beyond adoption fees, you should also budget for supplies and vet services, which are outlined below based on the type of animal. 

Note: Only dogs and cats need a license tag, which you will apply for by submitting your pet’s vaccine records to your city or county’s animal care and control office. The license shows that you legally own the pet, it’s vaccines are up-to-date, and it doesn’t pose a threat to the community. 

Again, you’ll notice a wide range of prices. Pet supplies vary in cost from no-frills nylon harnesses and wire enclosures to top-of-the-line leather collars and furniture-style kennels. At the very. least, plan for the minimum amount listed.

The cost of vet visits can also run the gamut. Average price for a check-up is $50 before medications, lab tests, or procedures. Because most rescue groups provide medical care before you bring the pet home, you may not need additional medical care until your pet’s next yearly checkup. 

However, if your vet finds any health issues, it could cost you up to $3,000+ to treat the pet’s condition. Pet insurance may help offset some of those costs, depending on the insurance provider and policy.  

Here are a few things that can affect the cost of pet adoption.

Where you live. Because adoption fees are connected to how much an organization spends on animal care and administrative costs, it can cost more to adopt a pet in more expensive cities like New York or San Francisco. 

Type of pet. In-demand pets like small dogs, puppies, and kittens will have higher adoption fees than older pets and small animals. 

Type of organization. Better-funded organizations can charge lower adoption fees because their expenses are offset by donations. Larger organizations like the SPCA and Humane Society may have lower fees than smaller rescue groups for this reason.

Here are a few ways to save on pet adoption costs. 

Get a bigger dog. If you have plenty of space and a lifestyle conducive to a larger breed, consider upsizing. Small dogs are in high demand due to restrictions placed by apartment complexes and HOAs, so they often come with steeper adoption fees. Keep in mind though, you’ll spend more on food and medical care for larger breeds.

Consider a restricted breed. Restricted breeds like pit bulls, shepherds, and rottweilers are often banned by apartment communities or homeowners’ associations because the possible behavioral issues when not trained and maintained properly. If you’re up for the added responsibility and your community doesn’t have breed restrictions, you may consider adopting one of these dogs. 

Take home an older or special-needs animal. It’s harder to find a new home for these animals, so organizations often charge lower adoption fees for them. While elderly or special needs animals often cost less in adoption fees, you could end up spending more on vet visits and medications in the long run, so be prepared. 

Opt for a sponsored pet. Sometimes donors sponsor a specific animal, paying for their adoption fee and expenses while under the care of the organization. This allows an adopter to take home their new pet for free.

Adopt during an event. Organizations often host adoption drives and other special events where they lower their adoption fees for a limited time. Ask your local shelters and animal rescues when they run these events.

How much does it cost to adopt a pet from PetSmart or Petco?

PetSmart, Petco, and local pet stores partner with local rescue organizations to host adoptable cats and dogs in their stores. Because the adoption process is run by the rescue group rather than by the pet store, the adoption fees will vary, but most fall within the national average of $30–675 to adopt a cat or dog.

How much does it cost to adopt a pet from Petfinder?

Petfinder is an online platform where local rescue organizations can post their adoptable pets. The organizations set the prices for their animals; most fall within the national average of $10–675 for small animals, cats, or dogs.

How much money should I save before adopting a cat or dog?

If you’re adopting a cat or kitten, save at least $75–650 to cover adoption fees and pet supplies. If you’re adopting a dog or puppy, you should save $150–2,350. Plus, keep an additional $5,000 in savings in case your new pet needs emergency medical care. Consider purchasing pet insurance for around $500 per year to help offset the costs of medical care. 

Find a pet adoption center near you.