Honest answers about how FetchTheFacts works, how we score breeds. Browse our breed index to see Reality Scores for all 68 breeds., and what the results actually mean.
Yes. The 10-question quiz, all 4 breed results, Honest Fit Scores, cost estimates, insurance warnings, and rescue availability ratings are completely free. No account required. We offer an optional $6.99 full report with deeper analysis, a 3-year cost projection, training timeline, and a breeder checklist — but the free results are genuinely useful on their own.
The Honest Fit Score combines two things: how well the breed matches your specific quiz answers (60%) and our independent breed quality assessment (40%). The breed assessment covers five categories — space and noise fit, insurance risk, health costs, temperament, and ease of ownership — each scored out of 2 for a maximum Reality Score of 10. The two components are blended into one final score out of 10.
Because they are genuinely different numbers. A Labrador from a rescue might cost $900-$2,200 in Year 1. The same breed from a reputable breeder costs $3,200-$6,000. Both are real paths. We show both because which path you take significantly affects your first-year budget, and pretending otherwise would be dishonest.
They are realistic estimates based on 2026 US market data including Rover's True Cost of Pet Parenthood report, AKC data, and veterinary cost studies. Actual costs vary by location, individual animal health, food choices, and other factors. We specifically do not claim costs will fall within the ranges shown — always budget more than the estimate.
We flag every breed commonly restricted by US home insurance providers. This means your current policy may exclude the breed, may be cancelled if you adopt one, or may cost significantly more. Always contact your insurer and get written confirmation before adopting any flagged breed. Do not assume your current policy covers a restricted breed.
Our ratings reflect general availability based on published shelter data and breed rescue organization reports. A breed rated 'commonly found in rescue' (like Labrador Retrievers or Beagles) genuinely appears frequently in shelters nationwide. A breed rated 'rarely found in rescue' (like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or Vizslas) is genuinely uncommon in shelters. Availability varies by region — check Petfinder.com for your specific area.
A low Honest Fit Score means the breed did not match your specific quiz answers well, or has a lower breed quality assessment due to health costs, insurance risk, or difficulty. It does not mean the breed is a bad dog. It means it may not be the right match for your current situation. Scores change if your answers change — a Siberian Husky that scores 2.1 for a studio apartment dweller might score 7.8 for someone with an acre of land.
No. No breed, breeder, or brand pays to appear in results or rank higher. Affiliate commissions on starter kit products do not influence breed rankings. A Rottweiler with a 5.1 reality score will never rank above a Golden Retriever with an 8.8 score because someone paid us. That is the promise.
The paid report is a personalized PDF generated from your specific quiz answers. It includes a deep dive on all 4 of your matched breeds, a 3-year cost projection, health screening checklist, training timeline by month, a side-by-side comparison table, a 30/60/90 day action plan, monthly budget tracker, and a 10-question breeder red flag checklist. It downloads immediately after payment.
No. Nothing on FetchTheFacts.com constitutes veterinary advice, insurance advice, or financial advice. All information is for general informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making any animal care decision. See our full Terms and Disclaimer for details.
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