The cost of feeding and caring for family pets is on the rise – and there are more increases on the way for animal lovers.
The DSPCA says it is seeing more animals being surrendered because families can no longer afford to care for them.
The animal welfare charity is urging people to think long and hard before taking on a pet and to always adopt instead of buying.
Speaking to reporter Josh Crosbie on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, DSPCA spokesperson Gillian Bird said the cost-of-living crisis is forcing families to make very tough decisions.
“What we're finding at the moment is a lot of the animals that we're taking in as sick or injured animals are actually not being reclaimed by the owners or when we do find the owners, the owners are not able to actually take the animals because they can't afford to look after them,” she said.
Josh also spoke to Fox Veterinary Clinic owner Michael John Winters, who warned that food and medicine prices are continuing to rise.
“The medications we use and the food that we recommend people to use, we would see those going up 8% to 10%,” he said.
“I just see in my e-mail box today an e-mail saying that four of the key manufacturers that we deal with for pet medications are going to increase their prices from the 1st of February.
“Now we've been notified of that and we have to push that across to the pet owner.”
Chestnut, Freckles, Domino & Reggie 🧡 Available for #adoption ➡️ https://t.co/JDv3qTms0O#dspca #Dogs #RescueDogs #pets pic.twitter.com/QjLLDEypAv
— DSPCA (@DublinSPCA) January 22, 2024
He said he has not increased fees so far this year – but it is only a matter of time.
“Unfortunately, you know that is coming down the line for pet owners,” he said.
“Medication increases we generally try and account for those straight away because that's a huge loss to us if we're underselling the medications.
“You know, it's terrible because ultimately, we're all here as vets and a team to care for people's pet and it's horrible to think that it comes down to money, but unfortunately, I have the ESB, I have the gas company, I have the manufacturer, I have the wholesaler, I have the Council with their rates.
If you think you can offer this handsome boy a loving home then please come and visit him at the shelter and talk to the adoptions team. The shelter is open Tues-Sun from 12-4pm and you don't need an appointment to visit. Read more about him https://t.co/SjoQJWXNqb pic.twitter.com/MmRETXvezu
— DSPCA (@DublinSPCA) January 10, 2024
All of these people are knocking on my door and they all have to be paid for and accounted for and you know, I also have to be able to look after my staff.
“So it's a huge challenge and a challenge that everyone is really aware of across the board because you see it in every industry and veterinary is no different.”
He said his clinic is family-owned and he is faced with trying to provide a service for pet owners while also keeping the lights on.
"With the ever-increasing costs and the concerns that the pet owners are meeting us with, you know, we're getting squeezed in the middle, really, to be honest with you,” he said.
“Some corporate, larger veterinary groups have a bit more capacity to cope with that but ultimately. You know, the same strain is felt across the industry.”
Need a little mood booster this Monday morning? Well, here are some of the dogs that were recently adopted from our care, enjoying all the comforts in their forever homes 💛#MondayMotivation #HappyDogs pic.twitter.com/R7tj0j4vTu
— Dogs Trust Ireland (@DogsTrust_IE) January 22, 2024
Ms Bird said getting a pet should never be a spur-of-the-moment decision.
“Getting a dog, or any pet, is not a simple thing,” she said.
“You don't just wander into a shelter, take an animal and you've got it at home that day.
“It is a long process. It should be taking you weeks or even months to finally come to the conclusion you want an animal and to find the right one that's suitable for you.
“Otherwise, what will happen is you'll go, you'll get an animal and you'll end up having to surrender it in six to 12 months.
“We're looking for people who are looking to take an animal that's going to be in its forever home.”
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