How much does it cost to start an animal shelter?

New construction also comes in at approximately $200 per square foot, and a facility designed to house 25 dogs at 100 sq ft per dog comes to $500,000. Shelters must also consider the location of their facilities. There must be ample parking and room for a fenced area for animals to exercise. Noise can be an issue if a shelter is located too close to residential or business populations.

This initial cost will eventually be offset by money raised through adoption fees, donations, and potential grants. Some shelters are very creative in marketing their services and since 2019, animal adoptions have increased over the last three years with one in five families acquiring a pet during that period.

Social media promotions of pets and their personalities and on-site events that include music or food are being used to attract potential adopters.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, there are also significant ongoing operational costs to consider when starting an animal shelter. These include the cost of food and medical care for the animals, salaries for staff members, utilities, insurance, and marketing expenses.

The cost of food can vary significantly depending on the size and dietary needs of the animals in the shelter. On average, an animal shelter can expect to spend between $2 to $5 per day per animal on food alone. This means if a shelter is housing 100 animals, food expenses can range from $200 to $500 per day, or between $73,000 and $182,500 annually.

Medical care is another major expense. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and treatment for any illnesses or injuries that the animals may come in with can add up quickly. Depending on the health condition of the animals admitted, veterinary care expenses can range from $100 to $500 per animal per year.

Staff salaries can also be a significant portion of the budget. The number of staff required will depend on the size and capacity of the shelter. A small shelter might operate with a handful of employees, while a larger facility could have dozens of full-time workers. The average salary for a full-time animal shelter worker is around $30,000 annually.

Utilities such as water, electricity, heating and cooling, and waste removal are also necessary expenses. These costs will vary based on local rates and the size of the facility but can easily run into thousands of dollars per month.

Insurance is another important consideration. Animal shelters need liability insurance to protect against potential lawsuits. They may also choose to have property insurance to cover their facilities and equipment. Insurance costs can easily reach several thousand dollars per year.

Lastly, it's important to keep in mind that these are just estimates. The actual cost to start an animal shelter can vary widely based on a number of factors, including location, size of the facility, number of animals cared for, and more.