What’s included in the adoption fee?
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
For example, is the animal fully vaccinated, micro-chipped, spayed/neutered before adoption? All of these procedures cost money if they aren’t done by the shelter beforehand — and that doesn’t take into account all of the supplies you’ll need.
“The first year of owning a pet can come with an unexpected price tag. From the start of acquiring a pet, you must purchase all the basics — crate, collar, leash, food, treats, and more depending on the animal,” Natalie Buxton, the director of marketing and communications at Operation Kindness, a shelter in Carrollton, Texas, told Insider.
“They may seem like minor expenses now, but they can add up very quickly, especially for maintenance items like food,
cat litter
, vet care, vaccinations, and more.”