Pets Pay the Price for Sagging Economy
Foreclosure, costs mean more animals into shelter

The nation's economic woes have trickled down to impact family members with fur or feathers. In some places, there's a real crisis.

It started with home foreclosures. Economically strapped families, suddenly needing to move, began seeking out shelters that may take their animals. In some cases, they move out but leave the pets behind to be home alone. This phenomenon now occurs frequently in neighborhoods where foreclosures are common, that local papers report real estate agents carry cat and dog food, preparing to potentially be greeted by hungry or even starving pets.

In DuPage and Naperville, home foreclosures aren't as alarming an issue as in other cities, yet there's been an increasing wave of people giving up their pets at the city pound, and worse, just letting them out the door to fend for themselves.

"If the pet is in bad enough condition, we have to come after someone and charge them with cruelty," Executive Director of DuPage Animal Care and Control Kerry Vinkler said.

Vinkler argues it's never okay to leave your pet at home, and municipal shelters like DuPage Animal Care and Control have an open door policy. "We will never turn down an animal for any reason," Vinkler said. And they are not the only ones. Municipal shelters across the area have
similar policies.

BestFriends.org, a national animal shelter organization conducted a survey of shelters in 1992 and determined that 15 million pets were euthanized nationwide that year. The good news is that due to spay/neuter, breed rescue and the no kill movement that number is now down to 5 million annually. In DuPage County, euthanization only occurs 3-4 months out of the year for cage space, but Spring is prime season for less cage space because of an increase in puppy and kitten litters.

The cost of pets can range anywhere from $1,400 dollars a year for dogs to $200 a year for a housecat. Food, grooming, medical expenses, and care if a pet owner travels are all expenses. The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has some tips. Food is a fixed expense, but generic food can lower that cost. A few communities even boast pet food pantries. The Naperville Humane Society pointed NCTV17 in the direction of Loaves and Fishes food pantry. Veterinary care isn't free, still paying over time and with minimal interest is a real possibility. Many shelters offer low-cost veterinary care and vaccines to those who qualify. Pet store promotions also periodically offer low-cost vaccines. Currently, NCTV17 was unable to find any medical discounts in Naperville.

One problem is that in so many shelters there's simply no available space. Waiting lists are getting longer, and at many facilities potential euthanasia is a reality.

"We will never euthanize for space," Linda Lindford, Executive Director of the Humane Society said.
Experts agree that surrendering a pet to a shelter or authorities is heartbreaking to say the least. However, sometimes it really is the best solution.

"Shelters will do everything to try and make the transition the smoothest and best for both the owner and the pet. There's no judgment here," Vinkler said.

Lindsey Theis reports.