Chatham-Kent’s municipal animal shelter is experiencing a significant influx of stay and surrendered dogs heading into the holidays.
Pet and Wildlife (PAW) Rescue said the shelter has taken in over 500 dogs so far this year. This includes a 30 per cent increase in the number of stray dogs and a 60 per cent increase in the number of dogs surrendered.
As a result, PAW Rescue Operations Manager Myriam Armstrong said the shelter is facing increased operational costs.
“We have a base budget. It’s the same every month, so we have to work within that budget and it becomes increasingly difficult,” she said.
Armstrong added that out of all of the strays being taken in by the shelter, only 40 per cent are being reclaimed by their owners. She cited the fallout of an adoption boom during the COVID-19 pandemic as a factor that is contributing to the influx of dogs.
“These animals are two or three years old, so we’re thinking they’re probably COVID puppies. People had a need during the pandemic for some companionship and some extra love and decided to take on a puppy. And these puppies are now adults and they require love and care, a lot of food. And for a lot of people, their lifestyle has changed dramatically, they’ve gone back to work,” she said.
With the cost of living on the rise, Armstrong said the economy also plays a role when it comes to household pets.
“When it comes to pet food, we’ve seen three increases in our [cost] for food for the animals we have at the shelter. Vetting has increased by over 25 per cent for us, so I can only imagine everybody else is feeling the pinch,” she said.
Armstrong said she encourages those who would like to own a pet to adopt from the shelter, rather than the local pet store.
“For us, it gives an animal a home, it opens a cage for another animal to come in. But also you’re adopting an animal that is fixed and will be vaccinated, and usually healthy,” she said.
As well, PAW Rescue has also recently launched its Under One Roof campaign, which raises funds to offset the costs associated to the daily care of the animals and to replenish its emergency medical fund.
For more information on adopting an animal from the shelter or to donate, click here.