Yes, by now, with 4 pets, I can tell you that owning pets and giving them the best on all front, vet care included, is fucking expensive. We think about 8K a year.

But as a poor welfare woman in 2008, with much support morally from hubby and social worker though hubby and I were just friends and he never paid for me then, I totally could afford ONE pet- apollo, a big wonderful obedient and affectionate  black flat coat retriever lab of 2, neutered and healthy as heck.

Go with the SMARTS you see in the adopter.

Most welfare people get their pets elsewhere than at the spca, because the spca fee may be too expensive for them. Apollo was given to me for free after I put up a LOOKING FOR A DOG notice on craigslist in 2008. I described my lifestyle and emphasize that I would be with the dog 24-7 as I had complete free time.