The cost of adopting an animal
Adopting an animal can be one of the most rewarding experiences we have in life. Having a cuddly companion to love and spend your days with is priceless… Or is it?
Often, people make the decision to bring home a companion animal without any consideration given to the financial commitment that comes with it. According to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), the annual average cost of caring for a puppy ranges from $4,589-$4,666, and annual care for a dog is approximately $3,724. For kittens, the annual cost of caring is between $3,091-$3,231, with the cost for cats being approximately $2,542.
Some of the things OVMA includes on their list of expenses to budget for include parasite prevention, microchipping, neuter/spay, food, bed, toys, crate, exams with vaccines… and the list goes on.
When adopting through the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. But the other costs are still important to consider.
If you are ready to commit the time and finances required to take home an animal in need, please visit our website to see the wonderful animals currently available for adoption.
Learn more about budgeting for emergency veterinary costs here on our blog.