The Real Cost Of Animal Rescue

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The Real Cost of Animal Rescue

From medical treatments to basic care, the cost to save a dog adds up quickly. This guide gives a transparent look into what it takes financially to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need.

The Real Cost of Rescue

While Pawsitive Place Rescue is 100% volunteer-run, the cost of operating is anything but free. Here's a breakdown of what it takes to get a dog adoption-ready - and that's before factoring in more complex medical needs.

The Cost of Operating

Service Cost
Intake exam$50
Routine vaccines (DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies)$50
Spay/neuter$100
Heartworm test$25
Microchip$25
Food$50/month
Heartworm, flea & tick preventatives$15/month
Behavior assessment$15
Operation costs (utilities, supplies, etc.)$50/month
Total cost per dog$380+

*Even though our rescue is 100% volunteer-run, there are still ongoing costs to maintain our mission. These include building rental, office and cleaning supplies, outreach, advertising, and utilities.


To save a dog, we spend a minimum of $380 - but some dogs cost up to $3,000+ depending on medical needs.

Common Medical Expenses

Medical Service Estimated Cost
Dental Care$25 – $500
Heartworm treatment$500 – $1,500
Parvo treatment$500 – $2,000
Lyme disease treatment$500 – $1,000
Coccidia$200 – $400
Intestinal parasites (worms)$50 – $200
X-rays$150 – $250

Treating serious conditions like heartworm, cancer, or parvo can drastically increase expenses - and your donations make this care possible. ❤️

To rescue a dog, it costs us a bare minimum of $380 and can go upwards of $3,000 per dog, depending on their medical and behavioral needs. This doesn't even include things like toys, treats, or enrichment items to help keep animals happy and mentally stimulated.

Examples of Additional Medical Expenses:

  • Dental care: $25 – $500
  • Heartworm treatment: $500 – $1,500
  • Parvo treatment: $500 – $2,000
  • Lyme disease treatment: $500 – $1,000
  • Parasite treatments (worms, etc.): $50 – $400+
  • X-rays: $150 – $250

"Rescuing one animal won't change the world, but it will change the world for that one animal."

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