It’s always best to adopt when adding a doggo to your home. After that, you should go through a rescue organization or animal shelter. How much do rescue dogs cost in Ireland?
Where Can You Adopt A Dog?
About 13,000 dogs go into animal shelters or rescue organizations in Ireland.
Some of these dogs are often found as strays wandering the streets. Maybe they got out of their yard and weren’t reunited with their owners. Or perhaps their owners abandoned them.
No matter the reason, there are countless dogs of a wide range of ages, from puppies to seniors, who are looking for a forever home.
So, you can adopt a dog from a rescue organization or go through an animal shelter. But how much will it cost you?
How Much Do Rescue Dogs Typically Cost In Ireland?
Going through an animal shelter or a rescue organization will save you money in the long run. For instance, if you go through a breeder, they’ll charge you a premium for the dog depending on its age and the breed.
On the other hand, Shelters and rescues simply want to see the dogs go to a good home. These organizations are non-profit and will do what they can to help all the dogs find their forever home.
So, let’s talk about how much you can expect to pay for a pup at a shelter or rescue.
Adoption Fees
First, there’s the adoption fee. Remember, shelters and rescues are non-profit organizations. So, they need to make a little money somehow to keep their shelter up and running.
However, these adoption fees include what the shelter has already done for the dog. For example, the shelter may spay or neuter the dog upon arrival. So, some of that cost will reflect in the adoption fee.
Typically, the adoption fee may cost anywhere between 180 euros and 220 euros. Depending on which shelter or rescue you go to, it may cost more or less.
Again, this cost varies depending on the dog’s age and any vaccinations the shelter may have needed to give them.
For example, it could include the following:
- Intake service
- Routine vaccinations
- Spay or neutering
- Heartworm, flea, and tick tests and prevention
- Microchip
- Behavior assessment and physical examination upon arrival to the shelter
- Operation fee (to keep the shelter running)
Medical Costs And Vaccinations
In addition, the dog may cost a bit more if they need medical attention.
Upon arrival, the dog will receive a physical examination by a vet. If they need any medication or treatment, the shelter will do so. However, they may charge a bit extra in the adoption fee to reflect these costs.
For instance, medical costs and vaccinations can cost anywhere between 550 euros and 800 euros for treatment per year, such as:
- Dental care
- Spay or neutering
- Canine Parvovirus treatment
- Deworming
- Lyme Disease treatment
- Xrays
- Pet insurance
However, medical costs can be much higher, depending on how healthy your pup is. For example, you’re doggo may need the following:
- Spinal surgery
- Cataract surgery
- Pacemaker insertion
- Hip replacement (each hip costs separately)
- MRI scans
- CT scans
- And more
This can add an extra 2,000 euros to 3,000 euros per year to your vet bills.
Rescue Dogs In Ireland – Costs At Home
Finally, you’ll need to consider costs when bringing your dog home.
For example, there are first-time costs such as:
- Dog license
- Home supplies (bed, crate, harness, leash, collar, toys, etc.)
- Cleaning supplies (puppy pee pads, carpet cleaning solution for accidents, etc.)
- Grooming supplies (comb, brush, dog shampoo, etc.)
These expenses will undoubtedly vary depending on how much you need and the brands you buy.
In addition, there are ongoing costs that you’ll need to budget for monthly. For example, you need to keep up with the following:
- Dog food
- Grooming appointments
- Dog walking or sitting services
- Puppy training sessions
- Vet appointments
- Monthly medications
Together, you’re looking at about 1,300 euros upon bringing your doggo home and getting everything they need.
Rescue Dogs In Ireland – Consider The Dog’s Age
One other thing to consider when adopting a dog is the pup’s age. Most people prefer to have a puppy over an adult or senior dog.
Why? Because puppies are “cuter” than older dogs. Also, most owners want to have their dogs for as long as possible.
However, adult and senior dogs need love, too. It’d be great to give an elder dog a stable roof over its head and lots of love for its final years, even if it’s not as long as expected.
With that said, puppies cost more. This is because they’re more in demand. Senior dogs and adults have a more challenging time getting adopted, so shelters often discount these pups to give them more chances of finding their forever families.
How Much Will It Cost To Bring Your Pup Home?
You can go to a local animal shelter or rescue organization within your state. Then, you can simply drive the pup back to your house yourself.
However, sometimes, you can look out of state for your dog. For example, you can ask the shelter if they’ll transport the dog to you upon adoption.
Some shelters will do this because they want to see the dog go to a good home. Other places will only work with in-state adoptions.
If they help you transport the dog out of state, they’ll do so for a small fee or do it for free, just to see the dog make it home.
Should You Rescue Dogs In Ireland?
Yes, you should! There are too many dogs who require a forever-loving home. Instead, you can go to your local animal shelter and pick a new furry friend that will fit your family and lifestyle. Plus, it’ll be for a fraction of the cost of going through a breeder. Remember to adopt and not shop.
