Shelter dogs are cheaper than dogs from reputable breeders
Adoption fees at shelters are typically less than $500 (often much less). Many organisations charge their higher fees for puppies and purebred dogs that are in high demand and lower ones for senior dogs or those with medical or behaviour challenges. Plus, “many shelters have adoption specials or fee-waived adoptions when they get too full,” says McMillan. Obviously, you’re avoiding purchasing puppy-mill dogs from pet stores and classified ads, so the real price comparison is to reputable breeders, whose puppies often cost thousands of dollars.
These dog breeds are content to left alone for periods of time.
Most shelter dogs have already been “fixed”
Adoption fees are even more of a bargain when you consider that most shelter dogs are spayed or neutered before they come home with you. This procedure can cost a couple hundred dollars if you pay for it yourself, but it’s vital to keeping pet populations under control.
Shelter dogs have had their shots
Animal shelters vaccinate the dogs that come in so they’re protected from diseases that can circulate around the facility. You’ll need to keep up with their shots once you bring them home (most dogs need boosters every year), but a dog adopted from a shelter should be ready to mingle with other pups in your neighbourhood right away. There are standards of care set out by the veterinary medical associations and state and local council laws that require what vaccinations animals should receive.
