where can i get a pet dog for little or no money?

Question

i live in the olean, ny area and was wondering if anyone out there could tell me where i could find a little dog for my 5 year old. we dont have a lot of money and our local shelters want way more than i can afford on disability.any suggestions?

Answer 1

Have you tried www.craigslist.org? There is a "pet" section and lots of people list free pets to good homes. There is also a section called "wanted" where you can post things you would like to have. Good luck!

Answer 2

Well, I sure don't know a whole lot about New York, but I'll give this a shot anyways. Try your local newspaper, in maybe the classifieds, and see if there are some 'lil doggies "free to good home" or close to free...That's the only suggestion I can think of, I agree that shelters want an "arm and a leg" so-to-speak. The dog will probably NOT cost you $300.00 to $500.00 in a month-that would be the the adoption fees, right? It's incredibly hard to come up with that kind of cash all at once. If you get a small, slick-haired animal, I don't see a real problem-except for the vet bills.Those could kill anyone-especially if you don't have good credit.... Used to be able to vaccinate your own dogs, but then dogs have more health problems now than they did back then, too... I think that if you can save a dog from being turned out into the street because the owner couldn't find a home, or couldn't afford the dog, or whatever, or save it from going to a bad home, more power to ya.

Answer 3

I mean this with all due respect but owning a dog is a big expense. The trickle down theory applies here. If you get a puppy for example; you will need to get all required vaccinations for your state which is pricey. Then you must have the follow up vacs and recommended care for the disposition of the dog health wise. We adopted a black lab and every thing was fine for about 2 months then he was diagnosed with a bacterial staph infection of the skin that required medication costing almost 300 bucks a month. We solved that problem and 2 years later he was diagnosed with a malformed soft palate that required a 1500 scope exam to figure out why he couldn't breath. Now at age 4, he has been diagnosed with lymphosarcoma and is undergoing chemotherapy at 3000 a round. Now, if you are faced with these expenditures your have only two choices: pay or pray.
Your child is now attached to her pup and you must break the news to her that either the pup will have to be put to sleep or taken to the pound. Either way she is heartbroken. Unfortunately, life is crappy and maybe a dog isn't the best choice right now. It's a hard thing to say no but a good lesson can still be learned and maybe you and your child can baby sit a friends dog on occasion. Your child may surprise you with disinterest like a lot of other kids.

Answer 4

Does the fee include any vetting such as spayed/neutered? As mentioned, dogs can get to be expensive to have, just for their basic needs. I also am on disability and do understand.
Most of the shelters and rescues have a fee that usually includes some of the vet basics needed and is usually a good deal less than normal cost.

We see so many people with pets coming here for medical help because they say they cannot afford to take to the vet. There are the basic shots, checkups and food, of course. Then what if the dog gets sick? Vet care is at an alltime high! It is unbelieveable.

Pets are almost as expensive to care for as a child. To have a sick or injured pet and allow it to remain that way and not take to vet is considered neglect/abuse and grounds for taking the dog away--in most all areas.

Please look at your budget carefully before thinking about getting a pet. Getting a dog for little or no money is not the issue. It is being able to provide for the needs of the pet.

Answer 5

Being completely honest, I understand your child wants a dog but if you can not afford the adoption fee from the shelter you won't be able to afford the dog from month to month. The first day you get it you will need to buy food, bowls, toys and a crate. Then within the first week you need to take it to your own vet and that will probably cost at least $50- $100 and then you will have to take it back in few weeks for more shots. Don't forget about spaying or neutering if the shelter hasn't already done that. Even if I don't count the $400 we paid for our Dachshund we still put out about another $400 in the first month on supplies. Wait until you are better off financially and it will be a better experience for everyone.

Answer 6

I sympathize with your situation. I really do. You want everything for your boy. I've been where you are now.But, for the sake of the dog,please don't find one. Not just yet. Dogs need good food and medical care, which, unfortunately, these days costs a bundle,everywhere, but especially where you are. Plus, you have so many laws there,in regard to their care. For the sake of your little boy, let him know that it wouldn't be fair to get a living creature until you can afford to give it the things it needs. Maybe you could tell him you could both set up a little savings account, for the care of a pet, in the future, as soon as you have enough to care for one, When he's grown up, you'll have taught him a most valuable lesson. That a dog, or any animal , is a living, breathing creature, who has needs that deserve to be met, for it to be happy and healthy. Good luck to you and your son.

Answer 7

I personally dont think that anyone who cant afford to purchase a dog can afford to keep one and keep it healthy... my puppy is 7 months old and with all of the shots, food, toys and spay i have spent well over $1000 in just a matter of a few months. Even if you adopt a pet from the human society there still is an adoption fee.... nothing is free

Answer 8

Try the pound.
With the amount of dogs they anaesthetise every year, they should be practically giving them away.

Though, remember that a dog isn't just a one-off cost. You have to buy food (both wet and dry) for it to eat, get some toys for it to play with when you're not home, have vet checks at least once every 6 months and take it for regular exercise.

This aside--- the pound is probably your best bet.
Happy hunting!

Answer 9

Don't get a dog. A 5 year old is hardly a reason to adopt a dog. If you are going to get a dog then get it for yourself not because your kid wants one. Also, if you can't afford to adopt a dog then how do you plan on paying for grooming, food, leashes, vet bills, teeth cleanings, beds, etc. The cost of things that dogs need greatly exceeds the cost of a dog.

Answer 10

If you look in your local newspaper there are plenty of people that have puppies up for adoption. I don't suggest a shelter because the care that they give the animals leaves alot to be desired. I visited one with my niece and most, if not all, of the animals had flees and some kind of skin disease. They did not look that healthy either. I suggest the newspaper and you will find plenty of puppies that need to be adopted. Good Luck. I too am on disability and have a solid black dominant German Shepard Male. I am all to familiar with the cost of raising a dog. But believe me, they are more than worth it.

Answer 11

No disrespect, but if the initial cost of the dog is a problem, proper care and feeding for the dog is going to be a bigger problem. Whether you obtain a dog from a shelther or a top show breeder, the initial investment is a TINY fraction of what the dog is going to cost you throughout it's life.

I raise and show dogs, and a puppy from our most recent litter injured herself. The surgery to "repair" her cost MORE than the owner paid for the dog. It was a minor injury and I have TOP SHOW DOGS.

Additionally, five year olds do not need pets. Sure, it's an animal is a nice addition to the family, and I couldn't imagine having grown up without the dogs I did, but its more important that you focus on getting back on your feet physically and get your family financially stable. Then you can make the decision to add a pet to your life. Until then, please don't.