How to reduce your pet expenses

Amid the economic crisis, the problem of abandoned pets is straining animal shelters

By CHRISTEN GOWAN, Staff writer
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First published: Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Capital Region shelters and animal rescue groups are dealing with an influx of cats and dogs surrendered by owners who are being evicted from their homes or can't afford food and veterinary care for their pets.
At Whiskers Animal Benevolent League, a no-kill shelter for cats in Albany, the staff has seen a 20 percent increase in the number of surrenders in the last several months, said Carol Hall, Whiskers' president. "People aren't going to come right out and say, 'The economy stinks. I'm not going to take care of my cat anymore.' "

Staff at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter took in 55 more animals in January than in January 2008.

The food pantry at the Schenectady Inner City Mission is seeing more demand for pet food.

A steady stream of owners tell other local groups, such as Peppertree Rescue and the Animal Protective Foundation, they can't afford to keep their pets.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that 500,000 to 1 million pets nationwide are at risk as a result of the current economic climate.

"In a time when we're stressed by so many other things, it's a time when we need our pets now more than ever," said ASPCA Executive Vice President Stephen Zawistowski.

The ASPCA and other animal advocacy groups are encouraging the public to donate food and lend a hand to local rescue groups.

Animal advocates urge people to not abandon their animals in the house or set them free after being evicted. The staff at Whiskers recently rescued four elderly house cats in the woods in Brunswick. After foreclosure, the owner "dumped all her cats out into the woods," Hall said.

Even dog breeders are feeling the economic pinch. South Side Dogs in Schoharie County requires new dog owners to sign agreements that the puppies will be returned if the owners can't keep them; four have come back this year, something owner Frank Popolizio has never seen before.

"It's only been happening in the past year," Popolizio said. "Of all the years I've been in the breeding business, I've never had a person return a dog for that."

Popolizio said the returned dogs were adopted out to new owners.

"I do see a change out there," the dog breeder said. "It's sad for the dog, and it's sad for the people."

Christen Gowan can be reached at 454-5350 or cgowan@timesunion.com.

How to help

Donate money, lend a hand or rescue an animal. Here are just a few of the local shelters and rescue groups:

• Whiskers Animal Benevolent League in Albany: 448-9565 or http://www. ewhiskers.com

• Peppertree Rescue: 435-7425 or http://www.peppertree.org

• Saratoga County Animal Shelter in Ballston Spa: 885-4113

• Animal Protective Foundation: 374-3944 or http://www.animalprotective.org

• Capital District Humane Association: 664-1237 or http://www.cdha.net

• Mohawk Hudson Humane Society: 434-8128 or http://www.mohawk humanesociety.org

The ASPCA estimates pet owners spend from $580 to $1,800 per year for a dog and $650 to $1,000 for a cat. Here are tips on saving money while keeping your pet happy:

Go in with a neighbor or friend to buy dog or cat food in bulk. Prices are much cheaper for a 40-pound bag when splitting the cost. Don't cut back in quality: Lower quality food could mean higher vet bills down the road.

Double-check your pet's recommended food per day. Most pet owners overfeed their animals.

Eliminate treats and toys, and pick up the toys around your house. Give your dog a different toy each week to make him think he's getting a new toy when it's really recycled.

If your pet requires frequent grooming or bathing, consider doing it yourself or increasing the number of weeks between visits.

Sites such as timesunion.com/pets offer places to exchange collars, crates and supplies with others in need.

— Christen Gowan