May 25, 2008

Pet Pulse Photo Illustration by Mike Lloyd

MIAMI -- Shelters across the Unites States are being slammed with the effects of the downturned economy. As costs rise for everyday necessities, American households are straining to keep up, but all too often a sad story unfolds.

From record-setting fuel costs, to the highest percentage of U.S. mortgages entering foreclosure in more than 50 years, as reported by Mortgage Bankers Association, it all is having an impact on pets, which are increasingly being surrendered by owners as reported by the Humane Society of the United States.

As more Americans are forced to part with their furry friends the story of Ben is not uncommon.

The one-year old orange feline was surrendered by his foreclosed-upon owners, and now he waits for a new home at the Humane Society of Broward County in Florida.

"They're forced to give him up because they had no home. I guess their home was foreclosed on and they had no where to go," said Cherie Wachter of the Humane Society of Broward County. "It's heartbreaking, because some of these people are really upset.”

Many shelters across America are feeling the effects of a rough economy in three ways; more animals, fewer donations to care for them and less pets being adopted.

At the Humane Society of Broward County, 160 fewer cats and dogs have been adopted this year, than last year at this time.

"We have always seen an increase in adoptions every year, unfortunately I think because of the way the economy is right now, they're taking a second look at this to decide whether or not they should get a pet," said Wachter.

That's a lost source of funding, and donations are down. One of the shelter's biggest fundraisers of the year, the "Walk for the Animals" drew just as many people, but 75,000 fewer dollars.

And for nonprofits, like the Humane Society, every donated dollar counts. The situation has board members of the Humane Society of Broward County considering starting up pet-sitting or grooming services to make up for the funding gap.

“We are trying to be very innovative and creative as far as ways to continue to bring in the dollars so we can continue to help the animals," said Wachter.

At the county facility, an already tight budget is being stretched even further, because 13 percent more animals have been turned into the facility this year, than last.

“I think overall municipalities have had to take a look at their budgets, not just Broward County. Throughout Florida and throughout the United States this is an issue," said Lisa Mendheim of the Broward County Animal Care and Control. "You have to take a look at what you're currently doing, find ways to continue to do it and do it better with less."

Local animal shelters can be helped through simple things like donating newspaper, volunteering time, or pledging a few dollars . It's so animals like Ben, will continue to be well taken care of, despite our economy's ups and downs.

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