For example, is the animal fully vaccinated, micro-chipped, spayed/neutered before adoption? All of these procedures cost money if they aren't done by the shelter beforehand — and that doesn't take into account all of the supplies you'll need.
"The first year of owning a pet can come with an unexpected price tag. From the start of acquiring a pet, you must purchase all the basics — crate, collar, leash, food, treats, and more depending on the animal," Natalie Buxton, the director of marketing and communications at Operation Kindness, a shelter in Carrollton, Texas, told Insider.
"They may seem like minor expenses now, but they can add up very quickly, especially for maintenance items like food, cat litter, vet care, vaccinations, and more."