Adoptable Pets Horry County Animal Care Center

How to Adopt a Pet Without Spending a Fortune

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If you've ever looked into buying a pet such as a dog or cat, you may have been surprised by the price. Buying a pet from a breeder or store can easily cost several hundred or even over a thousand dollars. Adopting a pet can be significantly cheaper, but there are still important things to keep in mind when doing so.Read on to learn how to adopt a pet without spending a fortune.

Choose a Cheap Pet

An important thing to consider before picking out a pet is the cost of keeping the animal happy and healthy. It would be heartbreaking to find the perfect pet only to have to sell or return it because you can't afford to take care of it.

Look at your budget and determine what you can afford. If your pet budget is relatively small, look for breeds that cost less. Some things to look for include

Smaller breeds generally eat less Short-haired breeds shed less and have lower grooming costs Hardy breeds that are less prone to medical problems save you money on vet bills Mild-mannered or obedient breeds often cost less over time for training and behavior classes

Additionally, if you find that you or a family member exhibits pet allergy symptoms, look for a hypoallergenic pet, like a Bichon Frise dog. That can save you money on allergy medicine and save you or a loved one a lot of discomfort.

Check Out the Classifieds

Once you have an idea of the type of pet you want, a good place to start looking is in the classified ads. Check out your local newspaper or even sites like Craigslist for affordable listings. Families whose pet turns up unexpectedly pregnant often place ads to sell the babies cheaply, and they may even be willing to give them away for free.

Just remember to always use care when going to see your potential new pet. Sometimes people use false free pet ads to lure unsuspecting victims to their homes or other isolated locations.

Adopt From a Shelter

If you strike out with the classifieds, move on to checking out the local animal shelter. With millions of pets entering shelters each year, you're almost certain to find one that will steal your heart.

Most shelters charge an adoption fee. However, this is minimal compared to what you would pay at a breeder or pet store. Depending on the area of the country, fees can range from as low as $20 to as high as $300. However, you'll typically pay somewhere around $100. These fees usually help to pay for the shelter's costs as well as any vet care the animal may have received.

Choose a Neutered/Spayed Pet

Speaking of vet costs, picking a pet that has already received all of their shots and been neutered or spayed can save money. Most shelter pets have already received this type of care.

Some shelters work out deals with local veterinarians (or their own in-house vets) to offer cheaper services for any pet adopted from the shelter. This can lead to significant savings as the pet ages.

Enjoy Your New Pet

Now that you know how to adopt a pet without spending a fortune, all you have to do is pick out your new companion. Once your furry friend has found a place in your heart, you'll be glad you added a special pet to the family.

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Adoptable Pets Horry County Animal Care Center

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