So, you want a free puppy…
So, you want a free puppy. Why? Did you know it is almost always cheaper to adopt from a rescue that provides all the vetting for the dog, than it is to find a free puppy or dog? It’s true!
Let’s see if it is really true. Suzy takes a free puppy from a friend. We will assume that the puppy has been well cared for and has not been exposed to parvo or distemper. Suzy takes her cute little puppy, Spot, to the vet for its first checkup. She learns from the vet that the puppy will need a series of three parvo distemper shots, a rabies vaccine, will need to be dewormed and spayed. Remember, Spot is healthy, so this is for well puppy care only. She has gone to a reasonably priced vet and her first visit is $120 (parvo/distemper vaccines, intestinal parasite test, and wormer). Suzy has a return visit scheduled for 3 to 4 weeks later. Upon the return visit, healthy Spot is growing nicely, no issues, $85 (office visit, parvo/distemper shot). A third visit is scheduled for 3 to 4 weeks later. Suzy returns for her third well puppy visit. The charge is $150 (final/annual parvo/distemper, rabies vaccine, a box of heart worm prevention and flea prevention). Suzy schedules the neuter for Spot when he is 6 months old. This price can range anywhere from $50 to $145 depending on your choice in vet providing service. Now, let’s tally all that up. $85 + 65 + 140 + ($50 to $145) = $340 to $435 is the total cost for Suzy’s free puppy Spot.
Yes, that free puppy, if it is lucky enough to have been adopted by a responsible pet owner, just cost between $340 and $435.
Let’s say, instead of taking a free puppy, Suzy goes to a local rescue, like APAC, that has puppies in the homes and not a shelter. Puppies are healthy because they have already been to the vet for check-up, have received at least the first shot, are already in the process of potty training, maybe even kennel training. The rescue commits to providing the remaining vetting (2 more parvo/distemper shots, rabies vaccine, and spay or neuter, plus a box of Heartgard for heartworm prevention). The cost to adopt this puppy? $100.
It doesn’t take a math genius to see that Suzy saved herself at least $240. You know the old adage – nothing in life is free. That includes puppies.
When you are ready for your next furry friend – Adopt from a local rescue!