When you decide to adopt a pet, it is important to think about it carefully before deciding to take the leap. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new pet, and if you have your heart set on a particular cutie at the animal adoption center, you might want to hurry in case they get snapped up by someone else! However, rescue animals have had a rough start, and it is important that when you adopt a pet, you know that you can handle it and will be offering them a loving, forever home. The last thing anyone wants is for a rescue pet to land back in the animal adoption center because you were not fully prepared for this journey! You may have read all the advice about choosing the right pet, how to settle them into their new home, what behaviors to expect, and more. One of the most significant factors many people fail to consider is the financial cost! With that in mind, let’s talk about the financial burden you need to shoulder when you adopt a pet!

It’s Cheaper to Adopt Than it is to Shop!

If you ask anyone about the costs of adopting a pet, they will likely mention that adopting a rescue animal is much cheaper than purchasing a dog from a pet store or breeder. There is some truth to this statement. While most rescue organizations and animal adoption centers will charge an adoption or rehoming fee, it is usually a token amount that is only a fraction of the cost of purchasing from a breeder. As an additional bonus, most rescue animals will already be neutered and microchipped, which saves on some of the initial costs. In short, when you adopt a pet, the initial outlay is far less than buying a pet. However, once you get past the ‘purchase’ price, the expenses associated with caring for your pet will be more or less the same regardless of whether they are rescue or purebred animals. That’s why it is so important to consider if you are financially capable of caring for an animal long term!

How Much to Save In Order to Adopt a Pet

When you adopt a pet, it is not an ‘impulse purchase.’ You should have time to save some money and ensure you have everything you need before you start looking for your pet at an animal adoption center. This will allow you to be fully prepared for the new arrival. Let’s take a look at some of the initial expenses you might have to give you an idea of how much money you should save to adopt a pet!

• Adoption Fee - As noted above, the animal adoption center will likely charge an adoption fee. This is often a nominal fee that goes back into the rescue center to care for the animals. Contact your local animal adoption center to determine their fees for the type of animal you might want to adopt. Every rescue center is different, but an average adoption fee will likely be between $100-$300.
• Veterinary Costs - The animal adoption center will almost always include spaying or neutering in the adoption fee, and some may also administer the necessary vaccines. However, when you adopt a pet, it is wise to budget for a trip to the vet to have your new buddy given a full physical and register them with the veterinary practice. Prices will vary, but expect to pay a minimum of $250 with extra fees for any blood work or imaging you may need.
• Pet Supplies - This next expense is the ‘fun’ one! You need to pick out all of the new pet supplies to make your home comfortable for your new addition! Depending on the animal you adopt, you will need different supplies, but as a general rule, you will start with food and water dishes, food, a place to sleep, and some toys! Cats will need a litter tray and cat carrier, while dogs will need a collar, leash, and possibly a dog crate. You can pick these items up one by one over a couple of weeks or months while you prepare to adopt a pet.
• Unexpected Expense - There could be additional expenses when you adopt a pet that you have not considered, so it is best to put aside a little bit of cash for these incidentals. One example could be that if you rent your home, the landlord might ask for a pet deposit from you in case of any damage.
• Ongoing Costs - You will also need to remember that there are continuing expenses when you adopt a pet for things like food, cat litter/puppy pads, ongoing veterinary costs, and pet insurance.

What If Now Is Not The Right Time?

If, after reviewing the potential expenses, you have realized that you are not in a place financially where you can adopt a pet, then you may be feeling disappointed. However, there is a great solution! Why not adopt a stuffed animal from American Pet Rescue while you work on saving the funds for a real pet? Our quality stuffed animals each represent a real pet that we have helped to rescue, and all profits from the toys go directly back into funding a new animal adoption center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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Adopt a New Friend Today!

American Pet Rescues is working towards the goal of educating adults and children about the value of animal rescue. Through the sale of our quality plush stuffed animals, each based on a real animal rescue story, we hope to promote awareness of pet adoption while also funding the opening of an animal adoption center in the Knoxville area where we can continue educating others and also provide access to affordable veterinary care.

Visit www.americanpetrescues.org or call 865-800-3697 for more information.