Prices

The reason the shelter is charging so much is because the puppy is vet checked, has it's shots and may already be spayed or neutered, which I don't think is a bad deal at all. If you got a dog for free or even bought one out of the paper, then add the vet fees you would probably spend a lot more.

I think that sounds like a very cheap price tag for a dog. I paid $1500 for mine from a show breeder and would pay it again any day, and no I'm not rich. Very far from it actually. You have to realize that every shelter/rescue will require some money in return. They are the ones that get the puppies vaccinated, treated for possible illnesses and spayed/neutered, all things you would have to pay yourself if it weren't already done and I imagine it can easily get more expensive than what they are asking. It also ensures that people think twice before getting a dog and are ready for one so it's not a spur of the moment thing and then realize it's not what they wanted and toss it outside in the garden 24/7 cause they can't be bothered to train and housebreak the dog. IMO, paying anything less than $100-200 you might end up getting an unvaccinated and too young pup who gets sick within days and will require hundreds if not thousands in vet costs to have even a slight chance at surviving. You pay for what you get. Go to the shelter or rescue and adopt a dog, no matter the cost. At least that way you won't be supporting backyard breeders and you give a poor dog a good home.

I don't think $100 is unreasonable if the dog has been vacinated, computer chip in place and has been thoroughly examined by a vet. Might prevent getting the dog home and having a sick puppy. Our dog tends to get bronchitis and has allergies. We've had him about 10 years. One visit to the vet runs over $200. In November he was sick and I took him to the vet and I believe the cost was right around $230. He's been coughing again so will have to see what develops.

Sold my Collie pups for £200 each app $400 in your money and that was cheap. all the best urban

i think its depend on the dog some dogs are quite expensive,they charge around 350 dollars and you have to take care of it..from the food to the personal care etc.etc.but some ordinary dogs are 10dollars or even free of charge.

I guess it kind of depends on what kind of dog you are going to get. Around my area, there are always puppies free to good homes, however, you might know what breed the mother is, but most times, the father is a traveling man. If you just want a companion, mutts can be great pets. I've had several, and currently have one that was from an accidental litter when the owners of the parents accidently let their two dogs in together, not knowing the female registered boxer was in heat. Well the registered border collie figured it out and they ended up with a bunch of puppies. They were giving them away at a rodeo we were attending, and we took one home. He's huge,,, 95 pounds, but one of the most loyal best guard dogs I've ever had. The rest of my dogs are purebreeds. Keep checking the paper. It's early yet for puppies, except from breeders in my part of the country, but come spring, there will most likely be a bunch of them. So if you can handle holding off for a little longer, wait til spring is in full bloom, and you'll most likely find one for free.

In australia it's illegal to sell or give away a dog unless it's vaccinated and microchipped. That's what you pay for. I always get my animals desexed too. You do know it's going to cost you money to feed and look after this dog don't you? You have to keep him well fed, give him plenty of time and play and exercise and keep him clean and healthy. It's possible he will need to see the vet from time to time and vets cost money. Having a dog is a big responsibility. Having a dog is a lot like having a child...the differences being they don't talk, wear clothes or go to school. Are you ready for the responsibility of owning a dog. ????

I agree that the shelters charge WAY too much and have become a supplier for the well to do and not the average joe. if you are looking for a specific breed for its certain desirable characteristics then expect to pay more or less depending on the saturation of the breeders market in your area. the best bet is to find a family giving away puppies or their beloved pet we have this often in our area

If you want a totally free or cheap dog, Craigslist is a great place to look. They have a "Pets" section under COMMUNITY. Petfinder.com can also help you find pets who need homes all over the USA, and you can customize it to search in your own area or state. But if you adopt from any shelter, you're going to see the fee of at least $100. The reason is usually because they spay or neuter the animal, plus make sure all his shots are updated, before they turn him over to you. The fee also offsets the cost of caring for all of the animals in the shelter. Plus, the fee helps assure that only serious people get pets. People can't just spontaneously walk in and get a pet for their own amusement. So if you really want a dog, you might have to just choke up the money!