Adoption fees
Adoption fees vary by shelter and by the pet's age, so ask what has already been done, such as spay/neuter, vaccines or a microchip.
Updated October 15, 2026 · US prices · 2 sources · see sources
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Dog under 1 year (PetPoint 2020 data) | $185 average | [1] |
| Dog over 1 year | $109 average | [1] |
| Cat under 1 year | $82 average | [1] |
| Cat over 1 year | $52 average | [1] |
| First year with a newly adopted cat or dog (ASPCA estimate) | $1,100–$3,200 | [1] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each one measures something slightly different (published prices, owner invoices or planning budgets). Your vet's estimate is what counts. Older figures, like the ASPCA's 2021 table, are probably lower than today's prices.
What affects the cost
- Pet's age PetPoint data showed average dog fees of $185 under a year vs $109 over a year, and cat fees of $82 vs $52. [1]
- What's already done The ASPCA's first-year estimate counts spay/neuter only if the shelter hadn't already done it, so a pet that is already fixed saves you that bill. [1]
Ways to save
- Consider an adult pet Average fees for pets over a year old were lower for both dogs and cats. [1]
- Compare with the cost of those services separately A spay/neuter alone has a median published price of $340, a microchip $52 and a core vaccine $38 per shot. [2]
Questions to ask your vet
Print this or bring it on your phone.
Common questions
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
PetPoint data reported by CNBC showed average fees of $185 for dogs under a year and $109 for older dogs. Fees vary by shelter.
Related guides
Puppy first-year cost →Kitten first-year cost →Annual dog cost →Annual cat cost →Pet insurance basics →Breed library →
Sources
- CNBC – How much it costs to own a pet (PetPoint adoption data)
- PawsRx – Vet prices published by 1,009 US practices (Oct 2026)
Try the free pet cost calculators →