Did you know that more people in West Michigan are surrendering their pets to shelters than ever before?
In a recent report for Fox 17 News, Kate Timber, executive director of SPCA of Southwest Michigan remarked, “There’s a common misconception that the reason people started to surrender was after they went back to work [in person following COVID],” but the reasons are much more stark.
Factors like eviction, veterinary shortages, markups on pet food, medication, and lack of affordable housing are all contributing to an astounding 67 percent of pet owners nationwide reporting they can no longer afford the pet they have. Some people feel they have no choice but to leave their pets at the shelter because they’ve begun living in their car.
While our local SPCA exists to help pets in need, Timber says they’re doing all they can to help families keep their beloved pets at home. “We don’t want the animal to just come into the shelter. It’s better for everyone if you’re able to keep the animal in your home.”
If you’ve been thinking about bringing home a rescued pet to love, the research proves there’s never been a better time to act.
To see how you can volunteer, donate, foster, or adopt locally, visit sspalliance.com to get started.
Adapted from an original article by Yasmeen Ludy
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