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Pet abandonment rises as inflation bites – but there is help

1/2/2023

13 Comments

 

By: Liam Gibson

As the cost of living goes up, one member of the American family is especially at risk - pets. Faced with mounting pressure to maintain living standards in their households, many pet owners are surrendering their pets. Expenses associated with pets are soaring, from the everyday cost of food to the unexpected shock of vet bills.

The phenomenon is not only seen in the US but also Canada, Australia, the UK, and other countries. For many, the abandonment wave signals a painful crash landing to the pandemic ‘pet boom', which saw record numbers of home-bound people purchase pets over the last couple of years.

There are numerous factors at play, but the most commonly cited reasons pet owners gave for surrendering in a recent Forbes survey were a combination of the following: The rising cost of pet food, unaffordable vet bills, and difficulty finding pet-friendly residences when moving home.

Although each poses challenges to pet owners, there are methods for managing costs and keeping your pet through these turbulent times.

Locally, Pima Animal Care Shelter has fluctuated between 'extreme' and 'critical' status throughout the course of the year, offering frequent adoption specials in an effort to clear out kennel space for new arrivals. 

PACC's Director of Animal Services Monica Dangler said the shelter's approach is to get the most adoptable dogs into foster care or new permanent homes, in order to free up resources for the most difficult-to-place dogs within the shelter. 

“With 519 dogs in the shelter, we need to create kennel space for dogs,” Dangler said. “Getting the dogs on the Preventing Euthanasia List adopted, fostered, or sent to rescue allows us to focus on finding homes for the dogs who need more training, medical care, or need a specific type of home.”

The shelter hasn't had to euthanize animals due to lack of space since 2016.

Food Costs Bite
Pet food costs are outpacing regular inflation - a phenomenon sometimes referred to as ‘ petflation.' US pet food inflation grew 9.1% in July this year versus July 2021, edging ahead of the 8.5% increase in the total Consumer Price Index (CPI) for last month.

There are several possible means of making the food cost manageable and essential to keep your pet going.

Owners can consider getting the cheapest kibble possible, even if it means changing up Fido's favorite brand; that probably won't do him any harm. There is scant research to indicate more expensive pet foods deliver better health outcomes, according to Joseph Bartges, a veterinary nutritionist. Bartges said this year that no conclusive studies have been done that show food cost as a predictor of a pet's health.

If the cheapest brands are still out of reach, there is the option of human food. While this is a hotly debated topic, Bartges also says there is little evidence that moderate amounts are unhealthy for dogs, so long as owners avoid foods that are known to harm dogs (see this list ).

One potential solution is food banks, which have been in high demand in the UK, where pet food has skyrocketed 15% since January. Charities like the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) are now racing to keep up and teaming up with existing food banks that typically feed people to add pet food to their stockpile.

There are plenty of similar services in the US, also known as pet food pantries. Owners looking for local food banks in their state can browse a directory for pet food banks across the nation.

Vet Bills Sting
Increasing medical costs are putting pets at peril and families' finances at risk. Some alarming new survey results reveal how underprepared pet parents are for rising medical costs. Forbes recently surveyed 2,000 cat and dog owners and found that 42% of pet carers cannot afford a surprise vet bill of $1,000.

One solution may be taking out pet insurance. Unfortunately, although pet insurance has become increasingly popular in recent years, the vast majority - around 80% of owners - remain uninsured.

According to Forbes Advisor analysis, pet insurance costs, on average, $35 per month for dogs and $28 a month for cats. Those plans include expenses for both accidents and illnesses, with $5,000 in annual coverage.

Each pet owner must weigh whether insurance is a good choice for them.  While this adds a little extra to the monthly budget, it prepares owners for the worst-case scenarios. Yet if having insurance means the difference between keeping and giving up a pet during tough times, many owners will likely consider it worthwhile.

‘No Pets Allowed'
Housing is another major issue that is pulling pets and their owners apart.  As rent continues to skyrocket, many pet owners are being forced to downsize or move into more affordable neighborhoods, and their pets cannot always come with them. Finding a new pet-friendly residence can be difficult at short notice, so many owners are saying goodbye to their furry friends.

One animal shelter in Tucson reports that housing-related surrenders have tripled in the last year. Though this sounds dire, there are still pathways forward.

Pet owners who are determined to bring their pets back under their new roof can seek out temporary foster care programs, which some shelters offer. Through these arrangements, pet owners can leave their pets for several weeks or months while they get their circumstances in order. Then, once they have moved into a new, pet-friendly residence, they can bring their pet to their new home. 

There are ways the wider community can lend a hand too. Homeowners who aren't restricted by rental contracts, for instance, can offer to adopt or foster a pet from a shelter and give pets a new start.

One shelter in Kansas City, Missouri, KC Pet Project, is becoming inundated with incoming surrenders, expecting the total number to surge to 15,000, up from roughly 10,000 in recent years. There are dozens more shelters across the country like this.

"We need the community to help us get through this - through adoptions, fostering and just helping us save lives," said KC Pet Project's Tori Fugate. "I highly encourage you to reach out and get involved with your local shelter."

As the economy rollercoasters from the highs of post-pandemic recovery to the brink of recession, many pet owners are finding their lives have become too unpredictable to commit to pet ownership. Unfortunately, many were underprepared for the volatility of our times and are now forced to make heart-wrenching choices.

Pets are known for being fiercely loyal to their owners; many owners will try their utmost to keep them by their side.
​
By making sound choices during these challenging times, pet owners can lighten their load and find the wherewithal to make it through.


13 Comments
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Diego Trigueros
4/24/2025 12:15:42 am

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HENRIETTE AMUNAZO
4/24/2025 12:19:11 am

I WAS CURED OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS BY DR WATER, THE GREAT HERBALIST. 🌿☘️
i am so happy to share this testimony with the world because generally there are so many doubts about the cure of HERPES simplex virus. This is real take it serious, my name is HENRIETTE AMUNAZO and i am so happy that today i can give this testimony to the world and also help people who has been condemned just as i was. Who will believe that a herb can cure HERPES completely from the body?, i never believed that this will work, i have spend a lot of money getting drugs from the hospital to supress outbreaks, it got to a time that all i was wanted was death to come because i was broke and i already have strong outbreaks from the herpes virus. One day i was going through the internet asking questions online just to know more about the latest development in the medical sector to see if there is still hope then i stumbled on a post about this great man called DR WATER through an online friend who publicly made a testimony on how she was also cured of herpes simplex virus 2 by this herbal doctor who is well known for his strong ancient herbal practice for HERPES, HIV, WARTS and CANCER cure. At first i doubted both the woman and the doctor just as so many that see’s this post would doubt because medically it has been proven impossible but later i decided to give him a try so i emailed him. I did not believe him that much, I just wanted to give him a try. He replied my mail and needed some Information about me, then I sent them to him, he prepared a herbal medicine (CURE) and sent it through Online Courier Service for delivery. He gave my details to the Courier Office. They told me that 3-5 days I will receive the package and after receiving it, i took the medicine as prescribed by him at the end of 13days that the medcine lasted, he told me to go to the hospital for a test, and i went, surprisingly after the test the doctor confirm me Herpes simplex virus free, i thought it was a joke, i went to other hospitals and was also confirmed herpes free, i will say it was like a miracle. I waited to see if i will get any outbreaks again and its been 2 months now, i have not experienced any outbreak. Thank you sir for saving my life even if you cannot see this post, i shall never stop testifying the impact you made in my life by restoring back my life when i was being stigmatized and even avoided by family and friends. I promise I will always testify of your good works. if you have herpes simplex virus, HIV patient, Diabetes, human papilloma virus or genital warts, contact him and I am sure you will get cured, contact him via:
email: [email protected]
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SPECIALISED
. HERPES
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. GENITAL WARTS
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. ULCER
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2/12/2025 04:24:40 am

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Bella James
3/10/2025 05:34:39 am

FAST EFFECTIVE WAY TO GET CURED FROM HERPES VIRUS
Hello! I’m very excited to share what worked for me to everyone. I’m completely cured from my HSV1&2 with the use of natural medicine. I have used Oregano oil, Coconut oil, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir and some other products/supplements and it hasn’t helped ever since I was diagnosed. I got outbreaks frequently and was completely devastated and I went online for a possible cure and how to get rid of Herpes. On a fateful day after taking my bath, I took my phone and was going through some research, I bumped into a testimonial of a Herbs doctor { Dr Awase } who cures diverse diseases/viruses with Herbal medication. I was hopeful but also doubted the claim. But after a while I thought “what do I have to lose?” so I decided to reach out. He prepared a cure using roots and herbs which I steadily took for 14days as prescribed by him. I am quite glad I decided to reach out because I am totally cured from Herpes after a medical checkup was done by my Dr. So I’ve decided to make a quick testimony for anyone out there who is probably suffering from an illness they can’t handle to reach out to Dr Awase. He specializes in curing lots of illnesses such as HIV, ENDOMETRIOSIS, PCOS, OVARIAN CYST, INFERTILITY, HEPATITIS A,B,C and lots more. I’m here to let you all know that you can also be cured just like me and you don’t have to live with any sort of illness for the rest of your life. To reach out, Contact him via WhatsApp below or Email

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Email:- dr.awaseherbalhome@gmail. com

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oiler James
4/19/2025 06:07:04 pm

I am from New Jersey. My herpes virus turned to war after 2 years of living with it. I have tried different medical procedures to cure my herpes but to no avail. Most people think herpes is only a minor skin irritation of which herpes has long term effects on health and passes through the bloodstream and can be easily contracted through sexual intercourse. I knew I had herpes from the first day I started feeling itchy in my pubic area and the pain was very unbearable. I couldn't stand it anymore. After 2 years of trying other means to get rid of it, I had to contact Doctor Guba to help me with a permanent cure. I saw his email and whats-app number from a testimony I read online from a lady who was also helped by him in curing infertility problems, I had faith and contacted him. He assured me of his work and I ordered his herbal medicine. Within 5 days, I didn't feel any pain anymore and within 2 weeks, my skin was all cleared and smooth. I am very grateful to you sir and I write this testimony as others have done to bring those having faith to you sir. If you have herpes or other similar disease and you want it cured, kindly contact Doctor Guba, WhatsApp (+2348162388034) Email [email protected] OR website: https://drgubahealingherbs.wixsite.com/guba-healing-herbs

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Liam Noah
4/19/2025 06:39:41 pm

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sonshine jojo
4/28/2025 09:43:21 pm

My Genital Herpes of over Four Years was cured, I want to say a big thanks to Doctor Payo whom God sent to heal his people with his natural medicine, I pray that God will bless you for the good work you are doing with Natural Herbs Remedy. So I think it’s best i put this out so for anyone in the same situation to get same help, there’s no need spending so much money on Antibiotic supplements that’s only there to treat but not fully curable, Herbs is the best way to get rid of STD and More totally. Here is Doctor Payo contact for anyone needing this help. Email: [email protected]. or WhatsApp or call him on: +2348110096692.

Reply
Diana M Eklund
5/14/2025 11:56:23 pm

MY HERPES SIMPLEX CURE BY HERBAL MEDICINE..
It's Good for herpes patient to please read my testimony,my name is Diana i am from California USA, I caught genital herpes from my ex girlfriend who never had any symptoms. I have had it for 1 year now, and it has affected my life. I have told my boyfriends who I trusted about it and I have never had a bad reaction, it has affected my new relationships with Damon People think herpes is really a minor skin irritation,herpes has a long term effects on health.The stigma attached to this virus by ignorant people is ridiculous. Most people have herpes in one form or another. I would like to advise people on how i got rid of my herpes.i was reading a comment on the internet,and i saw a testimony posted by a woman from island that she got rid of her herpes with the help of dr. sikies .so i was so happy when i saw that post,that his herbal medication is free.i quickly collected the herbal doctor email: [email protected]
call or whatsapp him on his mobile number +2348163430143
Place order via website https://drsikiesherbalcuremedicine.weebly.com/
He also have the herb to cure
(1) CANCER,
(2) DIABETES,
(3) HIV&AIDS,
(4) URINARY TRACT INFECTION,
(5) CANCER,
(6) HERPES,
(7) BARENESS/INFERTILITY
(8) DIARRHEA
(9) ASTHMA...

Reply
Diana M Eklund
5/14/2025 11:56:48 pm

MY HERPES SIMPLEX CURE BY HERBAL MEDICINE..
It's Good for herpes patient to please read my testimony,my name is Diana i am from California USA, I caught genital herpes from my ex girlfriend who never had any symptoms. I have had it for 1 year now, and it has affected my life. I have told my boyfriends who I trusted about it and I have never had a bad reaction, it has affected my new relationships with Damon People think herpes is really a minor skin irritation,herpes has a long term effects on health.The stigma attached to this virus by ignorant people is ridiculous. Most people have herpes in one form or another. I would like to advise people on how i got rid of my herpes.i was reading a comment on the internet,and i saw a testimony posted by a woman from island that she got rid of her herpes with the help of dr. sikies .so i was so happy when i saw that post,that his herbal medication is free.i quickly collected the herbal doctor email: [email protected]
call or whatsapp him on his mobile number +2348163430143
Place order via website https://drsikiesherbalcuremedicine.weebly.com/
He also have the herb to cure
(1) CANCER,
(2) DIABETES,
(3) HIV&AIDS,
(4) URINARY TRACT INFECTION,
(5) CANCER,
(6) HERPES,
(7) BARENESS/INFERTILITY
(8) DIARRHEA
(9) ASTHMA...

Reply
Diana M Eklund
5/15/2025 12:00:04 am

MY HERPES SIMPLEX CURE BY HERBAL MEDICINE..
It's Good for herpes patient to please read my testimony,my name is Diana i am from California USA, I caught genital herpes from my ex girlfriend who never had any symptoms. I have had it for 1 year now, and it has affected my life. I have told my boyfriends who I trusted about it and I have never had a bad reaction, it has affected my new relationships with Damon People think herpes is really a minor skin irritation,herpes has a long term effects on health.The stigma attached to this virus by ignorant people is ridiculous. Most people have herpes in one form or another. I would like to advise people on how i got rid of my herpes.i was reading a comment on the internet,and i saw a testimony posted by a woman from island that she got rid of her herpes with the help of dr. sikies .so i was so happy when i saw that post,that his herbal medication is free.i quickly collected the herbal doctor email: [email protected]
call or whatsapp him on his mobile number +2348163430143
Place order via website https://drsikiesherbalcuremedicine.weebly.com/
He also have the herb to cure
(1) CANCER,
(2) DIABETES,
(3) HIV&AIDS,
(4) URINARY TRACT INFECTION,
(5) CANCER,
(6) HERPES,
(7) BARENESS/INFERTILITY
(8) DIARRHEA
(9) ASTHMA...

Reply
Leticia Richmond
6/6/2025 08:52:52 am

I bring you Good news.There is a man called Dr Guba a herbal practitioner who helped cure me from Genital herpes,this i had suffered from for the past 2years and i have spent so much money trying to survive from it.I got my healing by taking the herbal medicine he sent to me to drink for about 9days.3days after completion of the dosage,I went for a medical checkup and I was tested Genital Herpes NEGATIVE.I'm sharing this so that other people can know of this great healer called Dr Guba because I got to know him through a friend he cured from HIV.I was made to understand that he can cure several other deadly diseases and infections.Don't die in ignorance and don't let that illness take your life.Contact Dr Guba through his email [email protected] You can also call him or WhatsApp him on:+2348162388034 Thank you Dr. Guba. Be kind enough to share as you receive. or website: https://drgubahealingherbs.wixsite.com/guba-healing-herbs

Reply
Glenn Michael
6/9/2025 09:12:56 am

I will keep referring you Dr Guba for the great things you've done in my life most especially the natural roots and herbs that cured me off HSV2 completely with no side effects using your meds...keep on the good work sir. Contact him  an email via: [email protected] or WhatsApp: + 234 816 238 8034 or website: https://drgubahealingherbs.wixsite.com/guba-healing-herbs

Reply



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