Animal Shelters Seeing Increase in Need
I spoke with several animal shelters across northern Michigan and they all agree, especially over the last year they've seen a significant increase in the number of people having to give up their pets.
The main reasons? More people are losing their jobs, can't afford the pets and are having to move.
Shelter costs are also going up as they are seeing more animals. Outside of basic food and cleaning supplies, one shelter says the condition of the animals they are seeing is worse because people are having a harder time affording vet care. So the shelter must cover more medical costs.
Several of the shelters say they have so many animals they actually have waiting lists, a few weeks long, before you can even bring in an animal you can no longer take care of.
They all agree that they want to work with you to make sure the animals get the care they need. If you know you may not be able to take care of your pet, call them sooner rather than later. And please, please don't just abandon your animal outside or in an empty home.
Click here for a list of all of the animal shelters in our area.
