If you’re thinking about adding a dog to your family, you may be wondering if you can afford it. Here’s our guide to costs associated with having a dog in your pack.

Acquisition: Your initial cost to buy a dog will vary greatly depending on the breed (or lack thereof) and on where you buy. If you adopt a dog from a public shelter, your fees will generally be much lower than any other means of obtaining a dog. Shelter fees generally cover spay/neuter, worming, and up-to-date shots. Depending on where you live, shelter fees may run from $50 to $300. Many shelters hold special adoption events where fees may be discounted or waived altogether, particularly if their cages are full. Continue reading How Much Does It Cost to Have a Dog? →