Pet Abandonment Up, Adoption Down

The current recession has touched so many different parts of our lives over the past 18 months. We've measured unemployment, counted the dollars of multiple bailout packages, and watched the housing market fall. But one aspect that's been overlooked is how the recession has affected household pets.

Pets are being abandoned in rising numbers as incomes fall. Earlier in the year, the ASPCA in Boston reported a 45 percent increase of pet owners surrendering their animals from either economic concerns or home-loss. There have been other reports across the country from shelters overflowing with abandoned pets, too. But it's not just that people are abandoning animals in higher numbers--animal shelters haven't been able to place dogs and cats into new homes as easily this year. My brother Ronic adopted a new dog a few months ago, but unfortunately, that puts him in the minority.

"We are definitely seeing animals being here longer than the old average length of stay," said Sheila Ryan, Director of Development and Marketing of the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA). "People don't seem to be as willing to adopt now as they have been in the past. It seems like people can't take on one more thing to pay for."

The NHSPCA just ran its annual Adopt-A-Thon. Last year, they were able to find homes for 80 animals. But this year the number dropped to 52 despite having more media coverage and attendees for their event.

As any fellow animal lover will tell you, pets are an absolute joy. The unconditional love and companionship they provide can be life-changing. My own family has two dogs (Blake, a Cairn Terrier, and Sydney, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). The two little guys are like furry family members! They have also been great teaching tools for Adam, our youngest son, who has learned responsibility while walking, feeding, caring for, and cleaning up after our puppies.

But with the good comes the bad. For all the joy pets bring into our lives, they can be very expensive. Caring for a dog costs $1,000-2,000 each year, and cat owners pay anywhere from $800-1,000 annually--all without adding any unforeseen medical expenses. Blake and Sydney are such important parts of our lives; it's hard to imagine the pain of having to give up a pet. In light of all this, I want to share ways to save money and keep your four-legged family members.

Save on Pet Care
Use a pet sitter? Share their services with a pet-loving neighbor to split the cost and save money. Or forgo the dog walker a couple days each week and arrange your lunch break so you can go home for a quick "hello" and a walk.

Cutting Costs at the Vet
Pets need regular doctor visits, shots, and checkups, but you can save money while making sure your animals have the medical attention they need. Ask your veterinarian if you can work out a payment plan to spread out the costs. Also, regular checkups help you save money in the long run. They're not only good for your pet, but they also prevent small health issues from building into big ones with high price tags.

Cut Out the Frills
Pet accessories, fancy leashes, and expensive toys can add up quickly. If you're feeling a budget squeeze, make sure your animals have what they need, then cut out the extras. Replace a new plaything with a little extra one-on-one attention and they'll never know the difference. Oh, and you can even try making your own dog food!

A "Petcation"
If you find it's too expensive to keep your pet at home, why not find a friend or relative to temporarily care for them? Instead of giving them up to a shelter or stranger, someone you trust will look after your baby. This arrangement doesn't have to be permanent--think of it as a vacation for your pet. It can also be a chance for another family to experience the joy of pet ownership. Maybe they'll even adopt a companion pet, too!

Like many other non-profit organizations, animal shelters are losing funds as sponsorship, grant, and donor money dries up. They also need in-kind donations like pet food, kitty litter, or even hay for horses to make it through the winter. These problems will only grow as pet adoptions slow and more animals are abandoned.

"Spread the word that adoptable animals are waiting for people," said Ryan. "These aren't throwaway animals--they're adorable, loveable, potential pets."

Check with your local chapter of the ASPCA to see what you can to do to help (or if you're interested in adding a four-legged family member!).

 

Comments

[sabercat78]

I have had the privilege of living with five dogs over my adult life. All were rescue dogs from the city pound or Milo (a great rescue organization here in the San Francisco Bay Area.)

The first three all lived to be over 15 - 17 years old and I fed them an inexpensive brand of dog food that every grocery store carries. I know there is a lot of organic/designer dog food out there, but I am not a rich woman and I figure it is better to save more dogs and keep feeding what has worked. I have had few medical bills over the years (one surgery in about 25 years.)

My current dogs (9 and 2 years of age) are both happy and healthy and still eating inexpensive dog food. I concentrate on the things that don't cost money. Lots of love and lots of exercise!

Thanks for the article, Sheila. Let's hope more people adopt and learn to keep it economical.

[PatA]

1. I've cooked for my dogs for 25 years. The only expense in the 25 years has been shots, euthanasia, and one surgery for one of my dogs who was stabbed by burglars. That bill was $385.00.
2. This year has been different. My 1 year old airedale/german shepherd is in the hospital in critical condition and it is a possibility that a neighbor had something to do with it. So far my bill is $431.00 and I will be paying out whatever it does cost me.
3. There is no reason for a person to spend $1000-3000 per year for pets. Unless you have more than the normal "family".
4. Fleas? Diatemacious earth will do the job if it is applied to yard and home on a regular basis. Bathing a dog who does have fleas is all you have to do to get rid of them. Flea shampoos are full of bad chemicals. What kills the flea with a bath is drowning. Not chemicals. Keep hay (my preferred doghouse filler) changed and clean. Never allow it to stay damp.
5. Love your pets. Let them know how special they are and what a gift they give us. They will be healthier in the long run. Exercise your dog.
6. No table scraps and no cooked bones, EVER. Raw bones are great. Joint bones work best.
7. Cats? Ask them what you can do for them...........

[Pema]

i do this every year. birthday and christmas presents are donations to animals shelters. either where the person lves, or at my local one. i dontneed more stuff. howmany earrings can one woman wear? no i dontneed a diamond tennis braclet, no i dont need a new jacket because mine isnt fashionable anymore. i need to help. i challenge everyone to ask that their gifts be donations to animal shelters this year. chec with your local vet to set up a war chest for people with animals that have lost their incomes, help that animal. to lose a beloved pet on top of everything else is horrible.
please blog on this idea. it could do so much!

[Cassandrawept]

Dogs and cats don't cost $1000-$2000 dollars a year. They cost: shots, flea control, good quality food...about $300-$400 for the first twelve years. The dirty little secret of dogs and cats is they get old and they die, just like humans. You can spend as much on a dog or cat as on a human in medical bills in the last few years. You are your pet's Medicare fund.

The trick is not wasting your money. You aren't likely to get a good estimate of pets odds for success from most veterinarians because they make their money from treating your pet. Pets need an honest medical system, one which treats the disease which are optimally treated and will tell you when extra medical care won't help your pet or you. You don't find that in most human medical care either.

Speaking as one who blew $3500 on my dog's last few months of a fast growing brain tumor, knowing all the time that the money would have bought 14 humans a new face (fixed 14 cleft lips). Now, for the holidays, I'll buy one new face. Maybe 4 a year. And I'll never waste that much money on trying to keep an old dog alive again.

[Pema]

my dalmation was 15. i spent 10k on her on her last year and a half, and i dont regret a cent of it.
its expensive but all the love you got, you calling it "blowing the money" on something you deem more worthy than all the unconditional love you got. have less stuff and youll get both done.