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Cost of Dog Adoption versus Buying from a Breeder

A dog adoption in San Diego is a noble thing to do. Adopting a dog gives you the chance to save a dog from being euthanized. The grand beauty of an adoption is that you get to spend much less on a dog. It is less expensive to adopt from a shelter or rescue organization than it is to buy a dog from a pet store or from breeders.

Unlike buying from a breeder where you pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars on full-bred puppies, animal shelters will only require a small adoption fee. It is also good to note that even though you end up paying a lot of money to the breeders, the cost does not cover the cost of micro-chipping, vaccinations, dog supplies and training. With an adoption, there is a good chance you will get a dog that is already trained, micro-chipped and one that has got all its shots. You will also not spend money on spaying. These are the main reasons that make a puppy adoption a great choice.

The fear most people have with rescue dogs is that they may have unknown health issues. The case is, however, the same with buying from a breeder. Pure-bred animals can also have hereditary ailments which make them subject to huge vet bills. For example, the slopping back of the German shepherd increases its risk of hip dysplasia.

Shelter dogs
When considering an adoption, it is good to note that the adoption fees vary from one shelter to the next. The typical price in dog shelters is between $75 and $225. The fees include the cost of vaccinations, micro-chipping, and neutering or spaying.  You will get a better price for adult dogs. There are also specials that allow you to adopt at a very discounted fee. Don’t be surprised to find a shelter that waives the adoption fee.

Rescue dogs
The fee charged by the rescue organizations is a bit higher. You can expect to pay between $150 and $500 for a dog rescue in San Diego. Most rescue organizations focus on a specific dog breed. In this case, you will end up paying more. Just like with the animal shelters, the fee includes the cost of spaying or neutering, basic veterinary care, and micro-chipping. In most cases, the adoption fee is tax-deductible donation.

Going through with a puppy rescue or adoption will make you feel great about yourself. You will be saving a dog’s life and giving it a forever home. The rule of thumb is to ensure that you pick a dog breed that you can comfortably care for.

Dog adoption