The New Brunswick SPCA is seeing a significant increase in the number of abandoned pets being left behind by pet owners.
In Oromocto, they say many don’t want to give up their pet, but difficult circumstances have left them no choice.
“The most common thing we’re seeing is financial reasons,” said Beth Anne White of the Oromocto SPCA.
“A lot of people can’t afford to have a pet anymore, or the housing situation they have doesn’t allow for a pet, and seniors who are also moving into care can’t take their pets with them,” White added.
“Abandonment calls are almost double what they were last year,” said Tony Porter, director of animal welfare at the New Brunswick SPCA.
“They’re up to about 312 compared to 141 last year,” Porter said.
At the pet store, the inflation factor has people experiencing sticker shock on pet food and products.
“Pets are really a lot of money and it’s something you really have to consider before you get a pet,” said pet owner Sharon Saunders. “Vet bills, food, if they get sick, it’s really expensive.”
“We have two cats and a dog, and the dog has to be on a special diet, so you’re looking at at least $100 a month for food,” said Colleen Belanger. “The cat food, because we do wet and dry, the cost of cat food has gone up to about $40 for a case of 24 and that doesn’t even do the two cats a whole month.”
The SPCA says they will do their best to help people keep their pets in their homes if it becomes necessary to ask for help.
“It’s going to continue to put us over capacity, I know our officers have been right out there since the beginning of the year,” Porter said.
“In addition to pets, we do livestock, and it’s been a tough, tough year,” he said.
“Basically, as soon as one cage is empty, we bring in another animal,” White said.
The Oromocto SPCA alone has more than 50 cats that are or will soon be available for adoption.
