Summary
In the United States, many people are giving up their pets because they can't afford to keep them. The rising cost of living means that more families can't pay for their pet's needs, leading to more animals entering shelters. Shelters are struggling to accommodate the increasing number of surrendered pets.
Key Facts
- A 7-year-old Shih Tzu named Benji was given up by his owner due to financial struggles.
- Rising living costs have forced many Americans to give up pets they can no longer afford.
- Shelters across the U.S., including in cities like Charlotte, Chicago, and New York, are reporting higher numbers of owner surrenders.
- Some shelters have stopped accepting non-emergency pet surrenders due to overcrowding.
- Medical costs for pets have increased, putting more financial stress on pet owners.
- Prices for pet products and services have increased by 26% in the last five years.
- Only around 4% of U.S. pets have insurance, meaning most expenses are paid directly by the owners.
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control saw a 43% increase in pet surrenders this year.
