June 17, 2008
As Economy Tanks, Pets Feel the Bite
More and more pet owners are having trouble putting gas in the tank and food on the table in this tough economy. And as families are having more trouble making ends meet, they're also having trouble feeding their pets. And animal welfare organizations that give out donated pet food are feeling the pinch as well.
The South Suburban Humane Society, which runs a pet food pantry on the fourth Thursday of the month is adding the second Tuesday of each month to handle the increased demand. "We used to hand out food from noon to about 3:30 (p.m.), until supplies were gone," Emily Gruszka, executive director of the South Suburban Humane Society told the Daily Southtown. "But the last two months, we've opened up to find 10 to 15 people already waiting in line. And we've had to close by 12:30 (p.m.) because we'd run out of food already." And the Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge has seen the number of people asking for pet food donations increase by 50 percent, and requests for discounted veterinary care has doubled. "We could do it every day if we had enough food, I mean, that's how bad it's gotten," said Linda Estrada, the group's director and president. "The line goes all the way down the street."
Unfortunately for pets, a bad economy doesn't just mean a shortage of kibble. As more people have felt the pinch on their pocketbooks, or worse, lost their jobs, they've had to give up their pets as well. With the cost of dog or cat care estimated at around $1000 a month year, many people are considering pet ownership a luxury. According to Gruszka, 18 families gave up their pets last week, more than half citing financial reasons.
Photo by Kookybites
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Wow, $1000 a month? I am sadly not a pet-owner but have recently considered adopting a cat. Is that what I can expect to support a kitty? What source did you use to get that amount?
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Wait, what? How are you coming up with $1,000 as the estimated cost per month for pet care? Is that for each pet? That sounds really high,, even with a daily walker.
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i could be mistaken, but i think that estimate's supposed to be about $1000 a YEAR... at least that's what i heard on the news last night. my 2 cats don't cost me $1000 a year though. admittedly, i only take them to the vet every 18-24 months instead of every year.
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"With the cost of dog or cat care estimated at around $1000 a month, many people are considering pet ownership a luxury."
when was pet ownership ever considered a necessity? if these owners aren't willing to make sacrifices for their pets, they shouldn't have had them to begin with.
also agree that $1000 a month is a bullshit number, even if you include regular vet visits.
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Thousand a month sounds a bit high to me too...although this year I had to take my dog to the ER and that was $760. The ensuing surgery she needed was $1,200.
She also has to be on a prescription diet for the rest of her life and that is expensive.
Fortunately she is a small dog. Everything gets exponentially more expensive the bigger your dog gets, I'm sure Spook can attest to this.
I really do empathize with anyone who has to relinquish their pets because they can't afford them.
I've heard of this happening way too often. The dog gets sick, needs some uber-expensive vet care and they can't afford it. They either have to euthanize or give up the pet.
That's just so sad. My dog gives me so much joy I just can't imagine living without her.
My two other dogs passed within several months of each other during the past year...I still get teary eyed when I think of them.
I just couldn't imagine having to give a pet up because I couldn't afford its care. Veterinary care these days is just outrageous.
Groggy...cats are pretty inexpensive as far as things go. If you just have one there is no way you're going to be spending a thousand a month on care...the only time things get out of hand is when they get sick. And you can never predict that.
I have a friend who just spent around $2,000 on her cat's urinary tract problems. Lots of vet visits, surgery, complications, etc.
When you have pets, you really have to save for that rainy day.
There is pet health insurance, but I've never really investigated that. Anyone out there have any experience with this? I know the ASPCA offers it.
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That has got to be $1,000 a year.
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Ingrid: the unthinkable happened to me when i was unemployed. my cat had severe behavior problems to which i could not attend. i still get upset whenever i think about him, although i definitely wasn't the best owner. i'd like to think i've gotten a little better.. my current cat wants for nothing. ..well, except for one more twist tie or milk carton ring.
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$1000 a month is steep, but if you're an urban pet owner that boards their separation anxiety prone beagle during the work week, it can approach $600 a month including food and such.
And god forbid your pet gets sick ... you can easily drop between $200 and $500 in a single visit.
Owning a pet ain't cheap.
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Yeah, the $1000 a month number seems way way off. I own two medium-sized dogs and a cat, and I spend nowhere near that amount. The original source had to be around $1000 a year, which can still be quite a bit to a tight-income family.
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A $1000 per month? I love my dog, but if she cost that much there is no way I'd keep her.
Here is my budget:
Fixed cost:
Food, $20/month
Water, $0.04/month
Treats, $5.00/month
Other costs:
Annual Vet, $85/year
flee & tick, $100/year
tags, $5.00/year
No where close to $12K. Granted I just have a pound dog that doesn't require any special grooming or other uselessness.
Plus, I have the added benefit of a use for all of those plastic shopping bags a modern American can't help but collect. Not to mention my entertainment is taking the pooch to dog park instead of to the movie theater.
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$1000 a year is what was quoted on the news last night.
groggy, my kitty cat costs me about $20 a month, tops.
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Tankboy,
Yah...I didn't think about people who have to have someone care for their dogs while they're away.
I remember once calling an agency here to come and walk my dogs while I was out of town for a few days. My god!!!
This was like 5 years ago and I can't remember exactly, but I know that it was around $32 for them to come twice a day for one dog, and then another $20 for the second dog. Which was crazy, because 2 times a day is not enough for a dog to go outside, so if you wanted them to come and walk 3 times a day....ACK!!
Shannon,
I know someone who had a cat with severe behavioral issues. And the strangest thing...they actually found another owner for her and she is thriving with the new owner! They think the cat was stressed because of the other animals they had, and with the new person the cat is the only pet. So, as much as they felt bad for giving her up, in the end the did the right thing by the cat.
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Scary story when you think of the full ramifications of what I predict will be a economic depression. Personally my pup cost me about 160 a month being that she's a big dog which means she needs the highest grade of dog with at least 85 percent protein. This doesn’t include yearly vet bills and doggie day care for for vacations. She will need a new bed soon which is another 100 dollars.
p.s I would urge people to do some really serious reading on this economy and about how best to insulate yourself for the long term
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the cost of my pet doesn't include the amount of paper towels I use once a month when my pup has his monthly inside "accident." he must drink a 6 pack of goose island when i'm not looking...
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And for those of you who want to add an extra few hundred dollars to your monthly pet expenditures may I suggest the PAWS Chicago Annual Beach Party, All Paws On Deck!
It's Thursday, July 17th, 6pm at Castaways at the North Avenue Beach House.
$150 per person and $50 per dog. (Ouch! But it's a good cause.) There will be a dinner buffet, frozen tropical drinks and a silent auction.
Also, since this is a pet topic, let's give kudos to the legislation that just passed (as of Jan. '08) that allows for restaurant owners to apply for a license to allow dogs to eat with their owners when they have a patio or outdoor area. Yay!!
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People who abandon their pets deserve a special place in hell.
People seem to find a way to support their children, and they're obviously far more expensive. There is no excuse to abandon a pet, ever, and anyone who disagrees should not be put in charge of living things.
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PUGS!