The shrinking consumer economy is starting to effect pet owners, some of which are now forced to choose between personal medication and pet care or have to share food with their pets.
The rising costs of fuel, food and housing — and the rising tide of foreclosures — have generated a surge in requests for pet food from traditional food pantries and prompted some pet owners to give up their animals. Others are trying to save money by forgoing veterinary care.
The Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge, Ill., has seen the average number of pet owners getting monthly rations from its pet food pantry increase by more than 50 percent since last year.
The type of people in need for this kind of aid has changed from mostly senior citizens and disabled people to able-bodied people who simply can’t find a solid job.
Foreclosures also cause people to move into new housing situations which don’t allow the presence of pets.
Pet owners are also cutting back on vet care, more often forgoing preventive care.
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