Some adoptions fees can be as high as $118 to $667. It all depends on where and when you’re adopting. [2] X Trustworthy Source Animal Humane Society Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners Go to source Give your local shelter a call to see if they have any special adoption sales going on. Who knows? There may be a free adoption weekend around the corner! Some shelters may waive the adoption fee if you’re a veteran.

Some dog food is more expensive than others. Before buying, research what brands and prices work best for you. Sometimes splurging a little on a hearty food is worth it for your dog’s wellbeing.

Some dog food is more expensive than others. Before buying, research what brands and prices work best for you. Sometimes splurging a little on a hearty food is worth it for your dog’s wellbeing.

If you’re looking to save a few bucks, consider searching for pet supplies at your local thrift store or asking a fellow pet owner if they have old pet supplies lying around.

If you’re looking to save a few bucks, consider searching for pet supplies at your local thrift store or asking a fellow pet owner if they have old pet supplies lying around.

This estimate does not include extra examinations, tests, procedures, or medications.

This estimate does not include extra examinations, tests, procedures, or medications.

Talk to your veterinarian about copay assistant programs or pet insurance that’ll cover your pup’s yearly medications.

Talk to your veterinarian about copay assistant programs or pet insurance that’ll cover your pup’s yearly medications.

DIY toys and homemade treats are real and can help you save money! You may be able to make your pup a special toy or treat with some household items.

DIY toys and homemade treats are real and can help you save money! You may be able to make your pup a special toy or treat with some household items.

DIY toys and homemade treats are real and can help you save money! You may be able to make your pup a special toy or treat with some household items.

Do some research on where you’d like your dog to go. You can even ask fellow pet owners if they have any cheap boarding recommendations.

Do some research on where you’d like your dog to go. You can even ask fellow pet owners if they have any cheap boarding recommendations.

Contact your local dog groomer to see what their rates are—they might even have special sales or discounts!

Contact your local dog groomer to see what their rates are—they might even have special sales or discounts!

Puppies tend to cost more at shelters because they’re in high demand. Older and smaller dogs may require more veterinary care and medications. Larger dogs will go through a bag of kibble faster than a smaller dogs.

Collar: $20 Dog bed: $108 Crate: $48 Toys: $25

Some breeds may face more medical struggles than others. For example, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, and Pugs are prone to health issues. [16] X Research source Health insurance can be beneficial for many pet owners, but can cost around $500 each year. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

Hiring a dog walker can cost $15 to $35. [19] X Research source Apartment complexes may charge an initial pet fee and add a fee to your monthly rent. Contact your property or rental management for the exact cost.

Lots of shelters and organizations offer free adoptions near the end of the year.

On average, it costs about $3,221 to own a dog during the first year and around $1,391 each following year. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source