Economic Downturn Creates Crises for Pets

Financial Crisis = Pain for Pets
© Emily Youngreen

It doesn’t matter what the cause of a disaster is, whether it’s caused by nature or at the hands of humans, it is usually our family pets that suffer first and often suffer most. We are all made aware of the pain children endure when there is a natural disaster, family breakup, or forced to live with the misery of poverty. But we as a society do whatever we can to mitigate their anguish and although we’re not always successful, we try. But pets are the invisible victims of a crisis, be it fire, famine, or financial collapse, because many consider them property, they are treated as expendable.
The U.S. is currently experiencing the devastating effects of the sub-prime mortgage disaster. Families are loosing their homes through foreclosure and it is increasingly a family pet that is left to suffer the consequences of this catastrophic financial crisis brought on by banks and lending institutions. This January alone saw a 57% rise in foreclosures.
But the numbers don’t begin reflect the pain and distress of families that are walking away from their homes with what little they can carry with them and leaving their pets behind.
In desperation, people hold on until the last minute in their hopes of avoiding eviction and when time runs out, they are forced to move in with family, friends or find affordable rental housing. None of these options offer a likely solution for bringing their pets along and faced with the dilemma of where to go, people panic. Dogs are left in deserted homes or tied in back yards, cats locked into houses, garden sheds or garages, and other small caged pets left in empty rooms to starve. As a result, thousands of animals have been abandoned and those that survive long enough to be discovered are swelling the numbers of animals shelters can take in.
With so much uncertainty in the housing market, the adoption rate at these shelters has dropped to an all time low. It cost money to feed and care for pets and for people struggling with possible homelessness while caring for their families, keeping a pet is not an option and because there is so little hope of adoption, especially for older animals, many previously loved small pets, dogs and cats face euthanization.
Here in Canada there is a financial crunch of another kind. Alberta is experiencing high employment, high wages and unprecedented growth while in other parts of the country the economy is sagging under low employment figures, low wages and the rising cost of living. It is no wonder that people from imporvished communities migrate to Alberta’s booming oil patch. People who are forced to move to earn a livable wage quickly discover that pets are no longer being accepted on airlines and left with no other choice, leave them behind.
CBC reported that an animal shelter in St, Johns, Newfoundland had an increase of 2,000 animals left by people leaving for jobs elsewhere. Unable to care for so many, 800 older, less adoptable pets were euthanized.
And the problem doesn’t stop there. Those who have managed to take their dogs and cats with them find that once they reach their destination, rental housing and work camps don’t welcome pets. Again, families are faced with having to part with a beloved family member. The SPCA along with other pet agencies in Ft. McMurray, Alberta has experienced the same kind of increase in the number of animals surrendered to their facilities.
So, what then is the solution? In these times, there really isn’t an easy or quick one. There are, however, some things we can do to help. It goes without saying that financial aid to animal shelters and rescue agencies is always a good place to start. But what if you find you’re one of those people or families faced with these hard choices. Here are a few suggestions:
1) If you are facing foreclosure, don’t wait until receiving an eviction notice before you start working on a solution for your pet’s care. The same applies if you have to ‘pull up stakes’ and move to earn a living wage.
2) Is there a trusted family member or friend who would be willing to care for your pet until you’ve found new pet friendly housing?
3) Investigate kennels and veterinary hospitals. Some are now offering low cost boarding.
4) Here’s a novel idea from the East Bay SPCA in Oakland, California. Create a dog or cat resume to show perspective landlords. Include training, the pet’s age and the number of years he or she has been a loved member of your family. A CGN (Canine Good Neighbor) certificate if you have one, medical history, spay or neuter record(s), vaccinations, and references. Be sure to include a picture of your pet(s). . There are excellent cat and dog sample resumes posted at http://www.sfspca.org/opendoor
5) Talk to the folks at local shelters, rescue agencies and veterinary hospitals as they may be aware of rentals or agencies listing pet friendly housing. Even if you don’t live in San Francisco, The Open Door Program at The San Francisco SPCA is a great resource and a great example of what kind of information may be available in your area and what to look for.
6) Visit the off leash dog parks in the area and talk to people. They may have been in the same position you’re in now and may have helpful suggestions.
7) If you have to give your pet up, find a suitable home where you can visit and assess what kind of care he or she will have. Don’t just give your pet away through “a good home only” ad
8) Check out the shelters in your area, but make this the last resort. When facing the extraordinary decision of parting with a pet, bring food and supplies and make a donation. Shelters subsist solely on donations from private citizens. They receive no government subsidies and to help ensure a better environment for your pet, and the hundreds, thousands that come after, leave a donation… as much as you can afford.
9) If you surrender your animal to a shelter, you can keep track of your pet. Call the shelter, check online, and donate whenever you can.

And NEVER under any circumstances, abandon an animal.