The high cost of veterinary care is forcing more and more people to give up their pets, according to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Carly Peters, the organization’s director of communications and marketing, said last month the organization took in 500 animals– 150 of which were due to owner surrenders. She noted an inability to afford vet care was the main reason for the surrenders, adding that this issue is becoming more prevalent. “Cost of living across the board has increased for everyone and that includes caring for pets, so pet food, as well, has gone up…There’s all these multi-pronged issues that we’re seeing,” she said in an interview on Tuesday. In terms of the impact on the Humane Society, Peters said the increase in surrenders is putting the shelter at capacity. She explained this not only means a lack of physical space for additional animals, but also a strain on their resources and staff. “With these animals that come in with injuries or that have higher medical needs that takes up staff time, staff resources, [and] actual resources in terms of medications and things like that,” she said. “It stretches our capacity.” For those who have a pet or are thinking of getting one, Peters emphasized that veterinary care is costly and to budget accordingly. She noted the importance of preventative care, adding that the Humane Society also has community support resources to help those who are struggling.
