As Economy Tanks, Pets Feel the Bite

By Kevin Robinson in News on Jun 17, 2008 6:00PM

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