The US Economic Crisis and Pets By Dr. Julio E. Correa, Associate Professor and Extension Animal Scientist

During the current economic crisis Americans are not the only making sacrifices. Household pets, often considered to be a part of the family, have been among the voiceless victims affected by financial hardship.

Dog and cat owners are finding it increasingly difficult to pay for the food and medical bills of their additional family members because they have lost their jobs or homes. Those who lose their houses to foreclosure often have to relocate and downsize. Many individuals end up living in cramped space with relatives and friends or go into rented accommodations where the landlord does not permit tenants with pets. Under this situation, some people entrust their dogs and cats to family and friends while others try to place them up for adoption. However, many people who are evicted due to the subprime mortgage crisis just leave their companion animals in the house or back yard to fend for themselves.

The number of companion pets left behind in foreclosed homes is increasing, and dogs and cats are overflowing shelters across the country, particularly, in some Southern states. In late 2008, area animal shelters and rescue operations reported that their numbers were up by 15 to 20 percent, or more in some cases. During tough times fewer pets are adopted and many shelters have fewer resources to take care of the animals. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has warned that the continuing economic downturn is threatening to create a serious animal protection problem.

Many pet owners are caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the health and safety of their pets and the substantial costs it takes to care for them. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The following steps can help keep people and pets together through foreclosures and financial crisis:

• Take the time to think of your pets and come up with an action plan.
• If you are moving into a rental property, make sure pets are allowed and obtain written permission in advance.
• Try to cut the cost of caring for your pets by feeding them homemade food or buying fewer accessories.
• Contact your local food bank or meals-on-wheels program to find out if they have programs to help feed the pets of their clients.
• Ask your veterinarian to provide only the most vital healthcare to keep your pets in good physical condition.
• Check with relatives, friends, and neighbors to see if someone can provide temporary foster care for your pets until you get back on your feet.
• If you must give your pets to others to ease your financial burden, choose reliable individuals or give them to legal adoption centers.
• Make every possible effort to place your pets in a proper home before turning them over to a shelter or rescue group.
• If you reach the point of surrendering your pets, look for a "no-kill" shelter that does not euthanize animals unless there is a medical reason to do so. This allows you to pick your pets up again when situations stabilize.
• If a shelter agrees to take in your pets, provide behavior information, medical records, and anything else that might assist shelter workers in finding your pets new owners.

The following programs can be developed and implemented by Extension professionals and volunteers to help people and their pets through foreclosures and financial crisis:

• In collaboration with non-profit animal protection organizations and local government agencies, start pet food banks that provide assistance to help owners of dogs and cats through hard times.
• Establish partnerships with local veterinary clinics to provide low-cost healthcare for sick and injured pets owned by people affected by the current economic crisis in some way.
• Establish partnerships with city and state agencies to ask for donations from the charity arm of pet specialty retailers such as PetSmart and PETCO.
• Develop and implement communication campaigns aimed at reducing the number of companion animals left behind in foreclosed homes. It should be reiterated that leaving pets at a "no-kill" shelter is by far more humane than leaving them in an apartment or a house alone. The shelter can provide food and housing while they try to locate a new home. Petfinder.com also advertises pets in need of new owners.
  

Zaretsky, M. (2008). Economic crisis has animal shelters crammed with dogs and cats. Retrieved July 23, 2009.

Pointner, N. (2009). America's pets becoming victims of economic crisis. Thandian News. Retrieved May 27, 2009.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2009). ASPCA®estimates up to 1 million pets at risk during economic crisis. Press Release. Retrieved July 23, 2009.

The Humane Society of the United States. (2009, May 4). Financial crisis: Assistance for families and pets. Retrieved July 23, 2009.

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