When you are thinking about adopting a cat or dog, it is important to consider the costs of owning a pet before making this important decision. The cost of owning a cat or dog can affect the long term success of your relationship with your new pet. The following is an estimate of the costs associated with owning a single cat or dog. Costs may vary depending on your own situation. The tables below do not include emergency or unexpected costs.
| Adoption/purchase fee |
It costs $200 to adopt a dog from Animal & Bylaw Services. Otherwise prices vary depending on the breed and where you purchase it. |
It costs $150 to adopt a cat from Animal & Bylaw Services. The cost will vary if you purchase from a pet store or breeder. |
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| Licence |
$36 for a puppy (3 to 6 months old) or a spayed/neutered dog over 6 months old; $58 for an unaltered dog |
$15 for a kitten (3 to 6 months old) or a spayed/neutered cat over 6 months old; $30 for an unaltered cat |
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| Spay/neuter surgery* |
If you adopt from Animal & Bylaw Services, the surgery is included in the cost. Otherwise it could vary from $130-$240, depending on the sex and size of the dog. |
If you adopt from Animal & Bylaw Services, the surgery is included in the cost. Otherwise the cost varies from $70-$120 depending on the cat's sex. |
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Initial vaccinations**
(Note: Rabies vaccination is often extra) |
Approx. $170
over a period of 16 weeks |
Approx. $160
over a period of 16 weeks |
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Initial supplies
(food bowls, food, litter box, crate, toys, collar and leash, etc.) |
$100-$300
(depending on the size of the dog) |
Approx. $50 |
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| Obedience training |
$110-$150 |
N/A |
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| Monthly, annual, & optional costs (for the life of the pet) |
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| Licence (annually) |
$36 for a puppy (3 to 6 months old) or a spayed/neutered dog over 6 months old; $58 for an unaltered dog |
$15 for a kitten (3 to 6 months old) or a spayed/neutered cat over 6 months old; $30 for an unaltered cat |
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| Food (monthly) |
$35-$60 depending on size of dog and type of food |
$15-$25 depending on the type of food |
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| Basic vaccinations and health exam* (annually) |
85-$120 depending on the veterinarian |
$85-$120 depending on the veterinarian |
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Kenneling
while on vacation
(as required) |
$12-$25 per day depending on the kennel |
$12-$25 per day depending on the kennel |
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| Litter (monthly) |
N/A |
$20 |
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*The costs are only estimates. As price varies depending on the veterinarian, please call your veterinarian for an accurate cost.
**Puppies normally have a schedule of three sets of vaccinations in the first 16 weeks; kittens normally have a schedule of two sets. Consult your veterinarian for more information.
