The Need

Ensuring the Well-Being of Our Pets

Across the United States, millions of pets are abandoned each year due to a range of challenges, with financial hardship being one of the most significant factors. As the cost of living rises, so do the expenses associated with pet ownership. For many families, the difficult choice of surrendering a pet stem from the inability to afford essentials like food, veterinary care, and housing that accommodates animals. 

The emotional bond between pet owners and their animals is often deep, making the decision to give up a  pet heartbreaking. Yet, for many struggling households, financial pressures leave them feeling as though they have no other choice. Without proper intervention, more pets will continue to be surrendered or abandoned, adding to the already overwhelmed shelter system, and causing emotional distress for families.

Background/History

Historically, pet ownership has always come with financial responsibilities, but in recent decades, the costs associated with caring for a pet have risen sharply. While pet abandonment has long been an issue, the primary reasons in the past often revolved around behavioral issues or lack of pet care knowledge. However, economic challenges are now the largest contributors to this problem, especially as families face increasing financial pressures (Four Paws USA, 2023).

The cost of basic pet care has increased significantly. In 2022, pet food prices rose by 15.2%, and veterinary services saw an increase of 10.3%, making routine care and even essential supplies out of reach for many low-income families (Four Paws USA, 2024). Compared to earlier decades, when pet care may have been more manageable, today’s inflation and economic instability have placed an unprecedented burden on pet owners, especially those living paycheck to paycheck.

Housing insecurity has further compounded the problem, with nearly 59% of renters reporting that pet-friendly housing is too expensive or difficult to find. And those that do find housing that allows for pets, often face strict pet-related restrictions from landlords (AVMA, 2023). As housing costs rise and affordable, pet-friendly options become scarce, more and more families are being left with no choice but to give up their pets. This is especially common among low-income households where finding suitable housing can be a significant barrier to keeping pets at home.

As a result of these economic and housing challenges, millions of companion animals are entering U.S. shelters each year (ASPCA, 2023). These trends are overwhelming the already stretched shelters and putting increased pressure on communities to manage the influx of abandoned animals.

Prevalence 

There are approximately 6.3 million companion animals entering shelters annually, placing pet abandonment at critical levels across the United States(The Zebra, 2023). Of this number, about 3.2 million are dogs and 3.3 million are cats (ASPCA, 2023). These numbers reflect not only abandoned pets but also animals that have been surrendered by their owners due to a variety of reasons, with financial hardship being the leading cause. The rising costs of living, inflation, and skyrocketing prices for pet care have led to difficult choices for families who may no longer be in a position to afford to keep their pets (Rico, R. E., Garcia, S. M., & Wilson, S. B., 2022). For example, in recent years, pet food prices have increased by 15.2%, while veterinary services have risen by 10.3%. This increased financial burden has placed a significant strain on low- and middle-income households (Four Paws USA, 2024), leading many to surrender their pet to a shelter or, in worse cases, abandon them altogether.

It should be noted, animal shelters that were already stretched thin are now struggling to accommodate the growing number of abandoned animals. Many shelters are reporting daily intakes of 40-60 animals, with some facilities operating at or beyond capacity (My Vet Candy, 2024). Unfortunately, the influx is not matched by an increase in adoptions or funding, leaving many shelters overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate care for every animal. While 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year, this still leaves millions without homes, many of whom face euthanasia due to limited resources (ASPCA, 2023).

This growing prevalence of pet abandonment highlights the need for proactive measures to support pet owners, especially those facing financial challenges. Without intervention, this issue will continue to strain shelters and lead to further animal suffering.

Why This Matters 

Pets are more than just animals; they are family members. The human-animal bond is a powerful emotional connection that provides companionship, comfort, and mental well-being for millions of pet owners. When financial difficulties force owners to surrender or abandon their pets, the emotional toll is profound. Many pet owners face guilt and heartache when they can no longer care for their animals, and this emotional distress extends to the entire household (Four Paws USA, 2023).

Beyond the personal impact, pet abandonment has far-reaching consequences for communities. As previously stated, animal shelters are already overwhelmed with high intakes and limited resources. Due to the increased number of pets entering shelters, many facilities are being forced to make impossible choices, often leading to higher euthanasia rates for otherwise healthy and adoptable animals. In 2023, it was estimated that 380,000 dogs were euthanized in shelters, a tragic outcome of overcrowded facilities and underfunded operations (ASPCA, 2023). This burden falls on local communities, which must find ways to manage the inflow of abandoned animals and cover the associated costs of care and housing.

The issue of abandoned pets also raises public health and safety concerns. Stray animals can spread diseases, such as rabies, and pose a threat to public safety through increased accidents and property damage. In addition, untreated or unsocialized animals can become aggressive or contribute to the growing problem of savage animal populations, which can further disrupt communities and local ecosystems (Four Paws USA, 2023). Therefore, addressing pet abandonment is not just about protecting animals; it’s about safeguarding the physical, emotional, social, and public health fabric of our communities. Intervening early to provide support for pet owners can prevent the ripple effects that affect shelters, families, and neighborhoods.

The Cost of Doing Nothing 

If no action is taken to address pet abandonment, the consequences will continue to ripple through communities, shelters, and households. Without intervention, the number of abandoned pets are likely to rise. As a result, the number of euthanized animals will also increase due to overcrowding in shelters and lack of resources (ASPCA, 2023), leading to the unnecessary death of even more healthy, adoptable pets.

In addition, the public health risks of unchecked pet abandonment cannot be overstated. Stray and abandoned animals often go without necessary veterinary care, increasing the spread of diseases like rabies and other zoonotic infections. This can endanger not only other animals but also humans. Additionally, the growing population of stray animals can lead to increased traffic accidents, property damage, and even attacks, posing significant safety concerns for communities (Four Paws USA, 2023).

The emotional costs of inaction are also profound. Families who are forced to surrender their pets due to financial hardship experience guilt and grief, often leaving emotional scars, particularly for children. The inability to afford basic pet care should not result in such devastating losses for families. Furthermore, communities bear the financial and logistical burden of supporting overwhelmed shelters, with many local governments spending millions of dollars annually on shelter operations and public safety measures related to stray animals (Shelter Animals Count, 2023). Inaction only ensures that these problems will escalate. The cost of doing nothing far outweighs the investment needed to intervene and support families and their pets.

What We are Doing About It 

Recognizing the growing crisis of pet abandonment and the financial struggles faced by low-income families, our organization established the Phillip Cares Essentials Program (PC Essentials) to provide help and support for pet owners in need. PC Essentials Program operates on a simple yet impactful model. Qualified pet owners receive up to $50 to cover the cost of pet food, toys, or routine veterinary visits. This assistance ensures that even as the cost of living rises, families can still provide for their pets without sacrificing other necessities. For convenience, pet food and toys can be ordered and delivered directly to a family’s home, and veterinary assistance can be applied directly to the total bill for routine care. This may help to prevent health issues before they escalate into emergencies. Importantly, the PC Essentials program supports routine, non-emergency vet visits, as our focus is on ensuring pets receive the preventative care needed to maintain their health.

By offering these essential services, we are helping families, reducing the strain on local shelters, and contributing to the prevention further community health risks.