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Economic pinch hits pet owners, as well
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NEWS-TIMES
By Cheryl Burke
NEWPORT — With the declining economy, many pet owners are facing tough choices regarding care of their pets. Some have been forced to make the toughest choice and give them up, causing a spike in the number of abandoned animals.
From veterinarians to animal rescue and adoption shelters, the effects are being felt.
“Veterinary medicine is a good barometer of the economy and is an early indicator,” said Dr. Walter Westbrook of Newport Animal Clinic. “Most people rely on disposable money to pay for vet services and they’re doing the best they can, but that money only goes so far. Fortunately we have a good veterinary community here and we’re trying to work together to get people through these tough economic times.”
Donna Youraine, Director of Pet Adoption and Welfare Society (PAWS) of Carteret County, said her organization is seeing several affects of the economic slump.
“We’re finding it affecting PAWS’ foster, adoption and rescue program in several ways,” she said. “Foster homes are at full capacity for a longer period, sometimes eight or more months for a cat. This is scary for foster homes as they typically sign on for temporary duty.”
Ms. Youraine said pet adoptions are at an all-time low.
“Although the number of people looking at our pets re-mains fairly close to the years past there are not as many actual adoptions,” she said.
A third result of the sagging economy is an increase in the number of animal rescue calls, Ms. Youraine said.
“People are calling us at alarming rates with sick, found and injured animals,” she said. “In the past, these same people might have offered to keep the animal while it convalesced and we looked for a home. However, we are hearing ‘I just can’t’ more times than not.”
The Carteret County Humane Society also reports an increase in the number of pets being brought into the shelter.
“I don’t even know how many have been brought in and we’ve heard, ‘I can’t afford the vet bills’ or ‘I can’t afford to feed them,’ ” said shelter manager Candace Christopherson. “We’re always overcrowded, especially during the summer, but it’s getting worse.”
The cost of veterinary care, like other services affected by rising fuel, food and medical costs, has increased. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates the first year expense for a new medium-size dog is $1,580 and a new cat is $1,035. In subsequent years, that cost goes down to $470 and $495, respectively.
Many veterinary offices are trying to find ways to ease the burden on pet owners.
“People are wanting to do less vaccines and cheaper flea preventatives, which aren’t as effective. What we’re trying to do is break up the vaccines so they don’t do them all at once,” said Heather Hall, office manager at Bridges Professional Park Animal Hospital in Morehead City. “We’re also seeing a lot of people using their tax incentive checks to catch up on their pets’ vaccines.”
“What we’re especially seeing is an increase in the number of what I call, ‘Can-I-do-it-at-home-myself? people,’” said Dr. Westbrook. “They’ll say, ‘My pet is sick but what can I do at home?’
“We’re willing to work with that as long as it doesn’t endanger the pet, but most of these borderline cases really need to be seen. Also, many of my clients that used to say, ‘Just do whatever needs to done’ are now coming in with lists and only want certain things done.”
Dr. Westbrook said while certain treatments can be put off, one thing that can’t is heartworm prevention.
“The one thing I stress is do not skimp on heartworm prevention,” he said.
He added that like most vets, he is willing to work out payment arrangements with clients.
As for abandoned animals, Ms. Youraine said she’s hopeful that PAWS volunteers will be able to keep up with the increased load until the economy improves. There are also plans to build an adoption center in the future to house more animals.
Those interested in adopting or fostering an animal for PAWS can call, 808-1729, or go to: www.pawsofcarteret.org.
Those interested in adopting a pet from the Carteret County Humane Society can call 247-7744.
From veterinarians to animal rescue and adoption shelters, the effects are being felt.
“Veterinary medicine is a good barometer of the economy and is an early indicator,” said Dr. Walter Westbrook of Newport Animal Clinic. “Most people rely on disposable money to pay for vet services and they’re doing the best they can, but that money only goes so far. Fortunately we have a good veterinary community here and we’re trying to work together to get people through these tough economic times.”
Donna Youraine, Director of Pet Adoption and Welfare Society (PAWS) of Carteret County, said her organization is seeing several affects of the economic slump.
“We’re finding it affecting PAWS’ foster, adoption and rescue program in several ways,” she said. “Foster homes are at full capacity for a longer period, sometimes eight or more months for a cat. This is scary for foster homes as they typically sign on for temporary duty.”
Ms. Youraine said pet adoptions are at an all-time low.
“Although the number of people looking at our pets re-mains fairly close to the years past there are not as many actual adoptions,” she said.
A third result of the sagging economy is an increase in the number of animal rescue calls, Ms. Youraine said.
“People are calling us at alarming rates with sick, found and injured animals,” she said. “In the past, these same people might have offered to keep the animal while it convalesced and we looked for a home. However, we are hearing ‘I just can’t’ more times than not.”
The Carteret County Humane Society also reports an increase in the number of pets being brought into the shelter.
“I don’t even know how many have been brought in and we’ve heard, ‘I can’t afford the vet bills’ or ‘I can’t afford to feed them,’ ” said shelter manager Candace Christopherson. “We’re always overcrowded, especially during the summer, but it’s getting worse.”
The cost of veterinary care, like other services affected by rising fuel, food and medical costs, has increased. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates the first year expense for a new medium-size dog is $1,580 and a new cat is $1,035. In subsequent years, that cost goes down to $470 and $495, respectively.
Many veterinary offices are trying to find ways to ease the burden on pet owners.
“People are wanting to do less vaccines and cheaper flea preventatives, which aren’t as effective. What we’re trying to do is break up the vaccines so they don’t do them all at once,” said Heather Hall, office manager at Bridges Professional Park Animal Hospital in Morehead City. “We’re also seeing a lot of people using their tax incentive checks to catch up on their pets’ vaccines.”
“What we’re especially seeing is an increase in the number of what I call, ‘Can-I-do-it-at-home-myself? people,’” said Dr. Westbrook. “They’ll say, ‘My pet is sick but what can I do at home?’
“We’re willing to work with that as long as it doesn’t endanger the pet, but most of these borderline cases really need to be seen. Also, many of my clients that used to say, ‘Just do whatever needs to done’ are now coming in with lists and only want certain things done.”
Dr. Westbrook said while certain treatments can be put off, one thing that can’t is heartworm prevention.
“The one thing I stress is do not skimp on heartworm prevention,” he said.
He added that like most vets, he is willing to work out payment arrangements with clients.
As for abandoned animals, Ms. Youraine said she’s hopeful that PAWS volunteers will be able to keep up with the increased load until the economy improves. There are also plans to build an adoption center in the future to house more animals.
Those interested in adopting or fostering an animal for PAWS can call, 808-1729, or go to: www.pawsofcarteret.org.
Those interested in adopting a pet from the Carteret County Humane Society can call 247-7744.
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