Struggling finances lead to a growing trend of pet owners relinquishing their cherished companions
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The Animal Care Centers of New York recently reached a "breaking point" and suspended intake due to "critical capacity issues" on July 18, highlighting a growing trend across the nation.
Shelters and rescue organizations are reporting sharp increases in animals being surrendered, with financial hardship being a common reason for these decisions. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control, owner surrenders are running nearly 43% higher than this time last year.
One such organization, Ruff Start Rescue in Princeton, Minnesota, has received 1,496 applications for owner surrenders through July 24, with as many as 22 in a single day. This is a significant increase from the same period last year, where there were 1,292 applications.
The American Humane Society's associate vice president of rescue, Cesar Perea, attributes this trend to a rising cost of living, financial constraints, an ongoing shortage of veterinarians, and behavioral issues with pandemic puppies.
Local shelters, rescue organizations, veterinarians, impounds, and animal control agencies are offering resources such as food, reduced or free medical care, pet supplies, training services, and temporary fostering to help owners in need.
It's important to reach out to organizations before it becomes an emergency and never to abandon animals. Christopher Valles, animal control manager at the County of Los Angeles' Department of Animal Care and Control, encourages pet owners to seek assistance.
Megan Larson of Minnesota's Ruff Start Rescue emphasizes that every impound and animal control team wants to see animals in rescues and eventually in homes. However, Ruff Start Rescue does not have the capacity for every animal in need, especially large dogs, due to a lack of large dog fosters.
The surge in pet owner surrenders during economic downturns is not a new phenomenon. There has been a surge in the number of people looking to give up their pets during periods of inflation, high layoffs, and financial crises, such as the one in the late 2000s.
In Los Angeles County, California, more than two dozen animals have been relinquished due to their owner being deported since early June.
Key economic factors contributing to this trend include housing instability, rising costs of pet care, and financial difficulties. Rent increases, evictions, or landlord restrictions prevent owners from keeping pets, leading to nearly 14% of dogs and an even higher percentage of cats surrendered due to housing issues.
Expenses such as veterinary shortages, vaccinations, and treatments for multiple animals become unaffordable, especially in cases like animal hoarding where shelters must intervene. Budget constraints following inflation and broader economic challenges cause about 7.2% of surrenders linked directly to owners' financial reasons.
Shelters are adapting by urging community support, fostering efforts, and offering more resources to manage the increased intake of surrendered pets. It is crucial for pet owners to seek help and for the community to support shelters during these challenging times.
- The increasing trend in pet surrenders, partly due to financial hardship, is causing a strain on the economy, especially for businesses like pet supplies and veterinary services, as more people struggle to afford care for their pets.
- Many personal-finance experts recommend budgeting for pet-related expenses, such as food, medical care, and pet supplies, as part of a well-rounded lifestyle plan, to prevent financial strain that could lead to the abandonment of pets during difficult financial times.
- In reporting on the surge in pet owner surrenders, general-news outlets should also consider the broader implications on local businesses and community resources, such as shelters, veterinarians, and pet supply stores, which may experience increased demand during economic downturns.
