Firm’s fears of big rise in abandoned pets

Jan 18 2008 by Emma Davison, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THIS year could be one of the worst ever for people abandoning pets, says a pet health store.

Online store Petmeds.co.uk says growing financial difficulties and the rising cost of keeping an animal could lead to a record number of cats and dogs being abandoned.

The company says many rescue centres will be unable to cope with the influx of animals because a growing number of people are struggling with rising bills and an increase in the cost of living.

Many owners see their animals as an extra expense that they cannot afford.

There is also the fact that vets’ fees and the rising cost of medication for pets have meant that owning an animal is now more expensive than ever.

The company, which provides pet medication, says it has seen costs rise by 7% over the last 12 months.

The company also said that more people than ever had planned to buy a pet for Christmas, with 1.3m buying a dog and 875,000 buying a cat.

Sadly, the excitement of having a pet fades fast and when people become aware of the full responsibility and cost involved some decide to get rid of them.

To help owners cope Petmeds is giving free flea and worming treatment to new owners.

It is also helping rescue centres cope with the influx of abandoned animals by offering them below cost price medication.

A Petmeds spokesman said: “People often get excited about buying a pet without really taking into account what ownership entails.

“With dogs you should always consider the characteristics of the different breeds.

“A dog can cost well over £10,000 during its lifespan,’ he added.