One of the first questions we get from prospective adopters is:

“What does it cost to adopt a dog from abroad?”

It's a fair question. Anyone who wants to make a well-considered choice must know what he or she is getting into, financially and beyond.

Adopting a dog is not only about opening your home and heart, but also about taking responsibility for a life. In this article we clearly list all the costs of an adopted dog. From the one-off adoption contribution to the monthly expenses that you will take into account for years to come.

At Hope for Dogs we remove dogs from often difficult circumstances. We ensure that every dog ​​receives the medical care, vaccinations, care and preparation needed before he or she travels to a new family. This care entails costs and we believe it is important to be completely transparent about this.

But above all: a dog is not a product with a price tag.

Behind every dog ​​there is its own story, its own character and a valuable life. Adoption does not buy a dog. You give a dog a chance.

And what emerges from that is something that cannot be bought: trust, friendship and a buddy for life.

What does the adoption fee entail?

At Hope for Dogs the total cost of adopting a dog is: €430.

This amount consists of two parts:

  • Adoption contribution: €230 - This covers the medical care and preparation of the dog in the country of origin.
  • Transport costs: €200 - This is the contribution for safe and regulated transport.

The total costs of adopting a dog from abroad for many organizations range from approx €350 and €550. The exact amount varies per organization and country and depends on what care and preparations have already been carried out.

What is included in the adoption fee?

The adoption contribution of €230 is not an arbitrary amount. Every dog ​​adopted through Hope for Dogs has had the following before he or she boards the happy bus:

  • Full vaccinations, including rabies
  • Deworming and flea treatment
  • A microchip in accordance with European regulations
  • An animal passport with all necessary vaccination and identification details

Sterilization or castration

Spaying or neutering is not included as standard in the adoption costs.

Many adult dogs have already been helped, but this varies per dog. Puppies are of course still too young for this procedure.

If a dog has not yet been helped, we discuss the options together. This can be done through us at a reduced rate of €60, if this is medically and practically possible. The procedure can also be arranged at a later time by the adopter himself.

Because we work with many different dogs and each dog has its own medical plan, customization is important.

We do not allow dogs to be adopted if there remains an irresponsible option for breeding.

Additional options for extra security

We think it is important that every adopter starts this new journey well prepared. That is why we like to think about what a dog needs to start its new life safely and healthily.

3-point safety harness: €25

A new life often starts with an exciting period. Even the sweetest and most social dog can be insecure during the first days because of all the new impressions.

That is why we recommend a well-fitting 3-point safety harness, especially in the first period. This reduces the risk of a dog breaking away out of fear and gives him time to safely get used to his new environment.

For €25 we ensure that your four-legged friend has a suitable 3-point safety harness. You only have to provide a suitable leash or leash yourself.

Additional health tests

In addition to the standard medical preparation, we offer adopters the opportunity to have additional tests performed.

These tests are not included as standard in the adoption fee, but can provide additional insight into the dog's health. For some adopters, this gives a nice feeling of security.

4D test: €40

A 4D test checks for various conditions that can be transmitted by ticks, mosquitoes or other insects and occur in parts of Southern and Eastern Europe.

The test checks for:

  • Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes
  • Leishmania, spread by sand flies
  • Ehrlichiosis, a bacterial infection spread by ticks
  • Anaplasmosis, a bacterial infection spread by ticks

Giardia test: €20

Giardia is an intestinal parasite that occurs regularly in dogs, especially when they live in groups.

We also offer the option to have the dog tested in advance if adopters would like this.

With puppies we look at the situation differently. Because they are still young and their medical trajectory is different, these tests are not always necessary or useful.

These tests are not a mandatory part of the adoption, but can be a valuable addition for adopters who would like additional information before their dog comes home.

We continue to closely monitor the health of our dogs and are involved in their care every day. If there are health problems or we have doubts, we will of course consult a veterinarian.

We always share all medical information known to us, so that adopters can start the new adventure well prepared. Of course we cannot predict or rule out everything, but we do everything we can to communicate honestly and transparently about what we know.

Why do we ask for an adoption contribution?

Hope for Dogs is a non-profit organization. No one within our foundation receives a salary for this work.

Everything we do, we do from love for the dogs and from the belief that every animal deserves a chance.

The adoption contribution is used to cover part of the costs surrounding our dogs. Consider:

  • Medical care
  • Vaccinations
  • Chipping
  • Power supply
  • Assylum
  • Daily care
  • Safe transport to their new home

Yet the actual costs of caring for our dogs are often higher than the adoption fee can cover.

Some dogs require additional medical attention, such as treatments after an accident, skin problems, surgery or long-term rehabilitation. Young puppies in particular that arrive sick and require intensive care can incur high veterinary costs.

Unfortunately, despite all the love and effort, we cannot always save every life. 🥺

In addition, the daily costs continue. Every dog ​​must eat every day, be cared for and be able to stay safely. With so many dogs, this means constant responsibility.

That is why, in addition to adoption contributions, we also depend on donations from people who support our work. Every contribution helps us to give dogs the care they need and to give the next dog a chance.

An adoption contribution changes one life. Donations will help us save many more.

Monthly costs of a dog

The adoption costs are one-time. But adopting a dog also means a financial responsibility for many years.

In addition to love, time and attention, there are recurring costs that you have to take into account.

Food: €30 to €100 per month

The costs depend on the size, age and activity of the dog and the type of food you choose.

Pet insurance or savings account: €20 to €50 per month

This is not mandatory, but it is wise to be prepared for unexpected medical costs.

Veterinarian and preventive care: €10 to €25 per month

This is an average when you spread the annual costs over the year. Think of vaccinations, check-ups, parasite prevention and dental care.

Other costs: €10 to €40 per month

This includes snacks, toys, care products, training and replacing items such as a collar, harness or leash.

On average you can count on approx €70 to €200 per month for a dog.

Larger dogs, dogs with medical needs, or dogs that require special nutrition may of course cost more.

A dog is not a one-time expense, but a family member for many years.

Buying an adopted dog versus a purebred dog

Anyone considering getting a dog is often faced with a choice: adopt or buy a purebred dog from a breeder.

From a purely financial point of view, the difference is big. A purebred dog from a registered breeder can easily cost between €1,000 and €3,000. You sometimes pay even more for popular breeds, such as a French bulldog or golden retriever.

There are often additional costs for vaccinations, chipping and sterilization or castration, because these matters have usually not yet been fully completed with a puppy.

If you adopt a dog from abroad, you pay in total at Hope for Dogs €430 and a large part of the medical preparation has already been arranged.

But apart from the financial picture, you give a dog that desperately needs it a second chance. Our dogs have lived on the streets, been in shelters or have been rescued from neglect.

They deserve a warm home.

Feel free to check out our available dogs page to see who is currently waiting for a family.

Hidden costs that people often forget

In addition to the fixed monthly costs, there are also expenses that new dog owners are sometimes less likely to think about.

It is good to take this into account in advance.

First vet visit: approximately $50 to $100

It is wise to meet your own veterinarian after adoption.

This way the medical file can be discussed, you can ask questions and your dog has a permanent place for future care.

Basic equipment: about €100 to €300

Consider:

  • A basket or dog bed
  • Food and water bowls
  • A harness and collar
  • A belt
  • Care products
  • Toys
  • Possibly a bench

Training or behavioral guidance

The costs depend on the dog's needs.

Some dogs need time, patience and guidance from their new family. Other dogs may need additional support from a trainer or behavioral therapist.

Unexpected medical costs

A dog can always get sick or have an accident.

For example:

  • Dental problems
  • An injury
  • An infection
  • A chronic condition
  • A necessary operation

Prepare yourself well financially

Adopting a dog is a wonderful step, but also a responsibility for many years.

We therefore recommend that you think about a financial buffer in advance. This way, unexpected situations do not immediately lead to impossible choices.

When you choose adoption, you are not just choosing the costs and responsibilities. You also choose a dog that finally gets the chance to be safe, loved and at home. ```