Rising Costs of Pet Ownership Prompt Concerns for Shelters
Economic Pressures Affecting Pet Owners
Pet care costs rise fast. Tariffs, job losses, and shaky economies push expenses up. Forbes shows a 10-year-old dog may cost around $34,550. A 16-year-old cat nears $32,170.
Devon Strief, animal services coordinator at the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, expressed shock. She said the number felt very high. Her words make clear how much one must invest in pet care.
Impact of Tariffs on Pet Ownership
Tariffs from President Donald Trump add pressure. Prices for pet care climb. Experts worry that hard costs will drive more pet surrenders to shelters.
Darlene Olshansky, volunteer and pet trainer at the same center, noted that new owners do not see these costs at first. "They take the pet home, then find out the true cost," she said. This delay means many pets end up in shelters.
Shelters Struggling with Increased Demand
Shelters feel the strain from rising costs. Strief noted that tariffs, job losses, and unstable housing make it hard for many to care for pets. Families struggle with vet visits and buying food.
"They need vet care and enough food," Strief stated. She warned that rising expenses can lead to more community problems. Her center and others now face a heavy load as many shelters run at capacity.
She added, "Many shelters and rescues overflow with animals. They lack enough cages or kennels to care for them well. This situation is unfair to the animals and hard on staff."
The Call for Responsible Pet Ownership
The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center urges careful thought before adopting a pet. Future owners must see pet care as a long-term promise.
With rising costs, planning matters. Prospective pet owners should prepare and research before bringing a pet home. Such care can lessen shelter overload and help pets and owners thrive together in the community.
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