How much does it cost to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue? That's a great question — adopting a dog is a big responsibility, and it's important to make sure that your budget can support a new four-legged friend.
In this article, we’ll walk you through common adoption costs and what they include, as well as other expenses you consider before adopting a dog. Let’s get started!
How Much Do Dogs Cost to Adopt?
When it comes to the cost of adopting a dog, there's no single answer. Rates vary widely, with shelter staff reporting adoption fees anywhere from $50 to $350+. This is because each shelter or rescue uses many factors to determine the amount that properly supports their rescue work.
Dog adoption fees help cover the expenses that shelters and rescues incur while taking care of dogs who are waiting to be adopted, including vet care and spaying or neutering.
Vet care in larger cities typically costs more than vet care in rural areas, so adoption fees can vary based on geographical location. This means that if you live in a place where the cost of living is high, the cost of adopting a dog will likely be a little higher, too.
The age of the dog you're hoping to adopt can also affect your adoption fee. Puppies, for example, often have more vet expenses than adult dogs. At some shelters, this leads to higher adoption fees for puppies.
Even the time of year can affect your adoption fee — particularly if you're looking to adopt a dog around the end of the year. This is when some shelters and rescues offer reduced adoption fees, and embrace the holiday spirit to find homes for as many pups as possible.
If you're looking to save money on adoption fees, it’s a good idea to follow your local shelters and rescues on social media, and keep on the lookout for announcements about any adoption discounts.
What's Included in Dog Adoption Fees?
The adoption fee you pay for your pup will vary by shelter or rescue organization, but it will typically cover most of the necessary vet costs to prepare your pal to go home with you. These may include:
- A wellness exam
- Vaccinations, including: rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Heartworm test and preventative heartworm treatment
- Tick-borne disease panel
- Flea and tick preventative treatment
- Fecal test and deworming
- Spaying or neutering
- Microchip and insertion
- A small administrative fee
The details will differ from shelter to shelter, so be sure to ask what's included in your pup’s adoption fee before finalizing their adoption.
Do Dog Adoption Fees Include Supplies?
So, when people ask, “How much does it cost to adopt a dog?” they're usually only wondering about the initial adoption fee. However, it’s also important to budget for all of the supplies you’ll need to buy for your new pup. These are not included in the adoption fee, and should be purchased by you before you bring your new dog home.
We suggest buying the following basic items to prepare for your furry friend’s arrival:
- Leash and collar
- Toys (ball, chew toy, rope toy, puzzle toy)
- Crate
- Food and water bowls
- Poop bags
- Training pads
- High-quality dog food (kibble or wet)
- Treats (for training, snacking, and rewards)
The cost of the initial supplies for adopting a dog typically ranges from around $670–$2,320.
Side note: before purchasing dog food for your new pup, be sure to ask the shelter or rescue what food your dog has been eating under their care. You’ll want to start out with that same food, then slowly transition your pup over to the food of your choice over a period of a few days to avoid upsetting their stomach.
It's also helpful to have both dry and wet food on hand in your first days together. Your new pup may be nervous and not want to eat for the first few days, but kibble mixed with wet food or a meal topper (like our delicious Beef & Sweet Potato Topper) is always a hit.
How Much Does a Dog Cost Per Month?
So, after the initial shelter or rescue fees and supply purchases, how much does it cost to adopt a dog? We crunched some numbers, and — while each pup’s needs and costs vary — it typically comes out to about $280–$740 per month.
The ongoing costs of having a dog usually include food, treats, toys, vet care, grooming, pet insurance, license fees, training classes, and any medications they may need. It all adds up, so it’s important to make sure that you can account for these expenses before you adopt your furry friend.
We’ll break down the basic monthly costs of having a dog in the following sections.
Food
How much you’ll spend on dog food per month will vary based on your dog's size, breed, the type of food you give them, and their dietary needs. On average, dry commercial dog food for a medium-sized dog costs between $30 and $60 per month. Specialized or premium dog foods may cost more, $80 per month or higher.
A few things to keep in mind: Large dogs obviously eat more than small breeds, which will bring up your monthly food costs. If your dog has specific dietary requirements and needs a special food, this will also likely be more expensive than standard dog food. Homemade, wet food, and raw food diets also tend to cost more than kibble, and could increase your monthly food expenses.
That said, simply buying the cheapest dog food isn’t the best decision for your pup’s health. It’s important to choose a dog food that offers complete and balanced nutrition, and also fits into your budget. All of our Jinx kibble recipes were expertly formulated by veterinary nutritionists to give your pup the essential nutrients they need — with zero fillers or artificial ingredients. And because we believe that all good dogs deserve even better food, we’ve also made sure to price Jinx accessibly and offer it at affordable stores like Walmart. In fact, a medium-sized dog can eat Jinx for under $1 a day when taking Walmart’s everyday low prices into account!
Grooming
The monthly cost of dog grooming depends on your pup’s size, breed, coat type, and their specific grooming needs. Professional grooming services typically range from $30 to $90 per session. Specialized grooming, like breed-specific cuts or spa treatments, can cost more.
DIY grooming at home can help reduce your dog grooming expenses to around $10 to $30 per month. For this, you’ll need to invest in some supplies, including brushes, nail clippers, and dog shampoo.
If your furry pal requires frequent grooming, these costs can add up quickly — so be sure to take them into account when you’re adopting the dog.
Vet Care
Overall, the average monthly vet care cost for a dog can range from $60 to $120, but specific needs — like emergency vet care or dental care — may increase these expenses.
The monthly cost of your pup’s vet care will vary based on their age, health condition, and the preventive measures that you take to keep them healthy. Routine vet care — including vaccinations and check-ups — can range from $30 to $50 monthly. Preventive medications, like flea and tick medications, may cost an additional $10 to $20 monthly. Emergency vet visits and regular oral care can stack up much higher bills, sometimes even in the thousands of dollars, so it’s important to prepare for these expenses. It’s also a good idea to invest in pet insurance, which may help lower unexpected vet costs.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance costs vary, but on average, monthly premiums for pet insurance range from $20 to $50.
Basic pet insurance plans are more affordable, and cover accidents and illnesses. Comprehensive plans cover preventive care and hereditary conditions, but cost more. Deductibles and reimbursement percentages will also impact your pricing.
Your pup’s age and breed can also affect the cost of pet insurance for you, since older pets and certain breeds have higher premiums. Research different providers, compare plans, and consider your dog’s specific needs to find the plan that’s right for you.
Entertainment
Dog toys are essential for keeping your pup mentally stimulated and helping them expend excess energy (trust us — you’d rather they take it out on their toys than your furniture).
The thing is, dog toys aren’t always the most durable. You'll likely find yourself replacing them regularly, so this should also be taken into account when budgeting for your new pup.
Some pet parents invest in dog toy subscription boxes to offset the cost. The cost of these subscription boxes varies, but typically ranges from $20 to $40 per month. Some companies even offer plans with different pricing tiers based on your pup's size or the subscription length. There are lots of options out there — so if you’re interested in trying a dog toy subscription box, be sure to shop around and check out different brands and plans.
So, How Much Is It To Adopt A Dog?
While adoption fees vary based on the specific shelter or rescue, adopting a dog typically costs between $50-$350 or more. Keep in mind that this fee helps keep the shelter or rescue running, and helps cover the cost of your adopted dog’s initial vaccines, vet exams, spaying or neutering, and any other medical expenses they incurred while in the organization’s care.
If you’re considering adding a new furry friend to your family, it’s also very important to take into account the cost of the initial supplies you’ll need to purchase (like a dog bed, bowls, crate, and toys), as well as ongoing costs like vet care, pet insurance, and grooming.
You’ll also need to buy a high-quality kibble or wet food, as well as treats for your pup. Jinx offers real ingredients, complete and balanced nutrition, and zero fillers — all without breaking the bank. You can get even more for your money by purchasing the large, value-sized bag of Jinx kibble.
Budgeting may not be the most exciting part of adopting a new dog. But thinking about these costs beforehand can help you mentally and financially prepare — so you can give your new BFF the loving, stable life that they deserve.
At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.