fees from 365 shelters and rescues
What it costs to adopt a dog or cat
A median of $250 for a puppy, $150 for an adult dog, $125 for a kitten and $80 for an adult cat. At most shelters the fee already covers the spay or neuter, vaccines and a microchip.
Updated October 15, 2026 from fees that 365 shelters and rescues in 49 states posted on their own websites.
Of 288 shelters that say what their fee covers, 274 include the spay or neuter.
- Spay or neuter274 of 288
- Vaccines256 of 288
- Microchip238 of 288
Adoption fees at a glance
- Puppy194 shelters and rescues$250$150 to $375
- Adult dog182 shelters and rescues$150$90 to $250
- Kitten185 shelters and rescues$125$80 to $175
- Adult cat178 shelters and rescues$80$50 to $125
Pet insurance generally covers what happens after a policy starts.
Opens a quote form on the partner's site in a new tab. Whether to buy anything there is up to you.
PawsRx may be paid if you buy a plan through this link. We don't compare or recommend plans. The quotes and the choice are on the partner's site.
Ask the practice to split it first. If it can't, you can apply to pay over time.
PawsRx may be paid when you apply. Approval and terms are the lender's, we never see your application, and we don't choose one for you.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Each ball is three published fees.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat?
Each ball is three published fees.
An adoption fee usually costs less than what it includes
The parts are low-cost clinic medians: a dog spay $208, a cat spay $105, a microchip $30, a rabies vaccine $20. A full-service practice usually charges more for each.
Some puppies cost more
The highest published puppy fee is $750.
Seniors often cost less
Fees of $0 to $25 for senior animals, animals with special needs and dogs who have waited a long time appear on shelter price lists in several states.
Events are not in these figures
Shelters also run reduced-fee events. An offer is not what an adoption costs, so they are left out.
after you bring them home
The costs a fee does not cover: a first visit with your own vet, any vaccines your vet recommends that the shelter did not give, and for many dogs, training and care while you travel.
What the first year adds
- Vet exam119 full-service practices$60$46 to $88
- Vet exam, low-cost clinic12 clinics$35$20 to $80
- A vaccine216 practices · per shot$31$25 to $44
- Group training classes9 trainers$225$149 to $299
- Boarding125 kennels · per night$60$45 to $78
- Dog daycare80 daycares · per day$36$30 to $43
while they're new
When to look at pet insurance
A pet insurance policy covers what happens after it starts, and anything already going on counts as pre-existing. That makes the weeks after an adoption the usual time to look.
Pet insurance generally covers what happens after a policy starts.
Opens a quote form on the partner's site in a new tab. Whether to buy anything there is up to you.
PawsRx may be paid if you buy a plan through this link. We don't compare or recommend plans. The quotes and the choice are on the partner's site.
Ask the practice to split it first. If it can't, you can apply to pay over time.
PawsRx may be paid when you apply. Approval and terms are the lender's, we never see your application, and we don't choose one for you.
Common questions
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
At shelters and rescues that publish their fees, a median of $150 for an adult dog and $250 for a puppy (October 2026, 182 and 194 shelters). Most fees include the spay or neuter, vaccines and a microchip.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat?
A median of $80 for an adult cat and $125 for a kitten at the shelters and rescues that publish their fees (October 2026, 178 and 185 shelters). Many shelters charge less for senior cats.
What does an adoption fee include?
At most shelters, the spay or neuter, vaccines and a microchip. Of 288 shelters that say what their fee covers, 274 include the spay or neuter, 256 vaccines and 238 a microchip. Some also include deworming, flea treatment or a heartworm or FIV and FeLV test.
Do shelters charge less for senior pets?
Many do. Fees of $0 to $25 for senior animals, animals with special needs and dogs who have waited a long time appear on shelter price lists in several states, against a median of $150 for an adult dog (October 2026).
How much does a dog or cat cost in the first year?
Beyond the adoption fee, a first vet exam has a median of $60 at full-service practices and $35 at low-cost clinics, and a vaccine a median of $31 a shot. Dogs often add training, with group classes at a median of $225, and boarding at a median of $60 a night when you travel.
PawsRx is a platform, not a shelter or a clinic. Fees are set by each shelter and change, and the shelter confirms the fee for the animal you choose. Which vaccines and care your pet needs is a decision for you and your veterinarian. Nothing here is veterinary advice.