ASPCA offering aid to pet owners

With many pet owners finding themselves in financial straits during the coronavirus pandemic, there’s a growing recognition among animal welfare organizations that to help animals, they need to help struggling pet owners.

Since it was launched in March, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals covid-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative has provided $2 million in grant funding, set up new pet-food distribution centers in cities including Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Asheville, N.C., and helped more than 268,000 dogs, cats and horses nationwide, including distributing about 1,800 tons of food.

“Increasing access to health care and critical resources for pets that are living in poverty is the best way to keep pets out of the shelter,” said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA.

The society estimates that up to 4.2 million pets will likely enter poverty over the next six months as a result of the covid-19 crisis and the ensuing economic fallout. “That’s a 21 percent increase in the number of pets living in poverty, bringing that to about 24.4 million pets living in poverty,” Bershadker said.

Bershadker said that the ASPCA has made grants to about 50 organizations across 30 states to assist agencies trying to help pet owners.

Another organization offering subsidized veterinary care to low-income pet owners is Mission Animal Hospital, a nonprofit in Minnesota.

Executive Director Dr. Susan Miller says the price of care is a common reason people give when surrendering their pets.

“They can’t afford it, so they think their only option is to surrender,” she said. Mission opened up its subsidized price program to anyone in need as a result of the pandemic.

“We’re seeing about 200-250 more pets per month due to covid-related issues — so that would be 10-15 percent more pets per month,” she said. “And that number’s only been getting larger month after month for the past four months.”