Pets Animals Surviving An Economic Crisis
Economic hardship is taking its toll on many pet owners this year. While it may seem expensive to get a pet fixed, the ASPCA reminds us that it’s cheaper to spay or neuter a pet than to raise its offspring for a year. In fact, animals left to procreate as they please account for many of the pets being dropped off at shelters.
Since dog supplies or cat supplies can cost $1,000 per year, many pet owners have had to give up their beloved pets when they lost employment or their homes. The Greater Birmingham Pet Society takes in 250 animals each week and sends 80 to 90 pets off to happy homes. Unfortunately, 70 to 90% of shelter pets animals are euthanized.
June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month. Of all the pets animals that wind up in shelters, cats are usually the highest since so few people spay or neuter their felines. “Kitten explosion is going on big-time would be an understatement,” said Missy Veraldo, manager of the Blooming Grove Humane Society.
“This past weekend, we brought in 12 kittens. It may not be a huge number, but for us, when we are trying to whittle down our cat population, it’s big.” Most societies now have more than 100 cats waiting in pet crates for loving owners to choose them. As a result, many shelters are reducing adoption fees for cats from over $100 down to $50 to $80.
Whether a person is looking for a cat or dog, shelters are great places to begin. Playing with prospective pets animals for a few hours at the shelter can be a great way to see if personalities are compatible.
Most owners will need to pass employment verification and criminal background checks before taking home a new animal, so it’s best to have the paperwork approved before looking to avoid disappointment.
If all the paperwork is approved, then a person can essentially arrive, play with the animals and take a pet home, all in one day.
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