Recession Hits Pets as Well as People | Pets

Did you know that the average cost of owning a dog over the course of a 14-year lifespan can range anywhere from about $5,000 to about $30,000? Dogs require regular medical care, food, toys and bedding, and they most likely will need training classes and petsitting or boarding fees at some point. Unexpected medical issues can turn out to be quite expensive.

One of the little-publicized results of an economic downturn is that when people run into financial difficulties, so do their pets. Shelters and rescue groups see a rise in the number of calls from people who need to re-home their pets because of financial concerns during a recession--they've lost their job, they've lost their house, and the only apartments they can easily find within their price range doesn't allow pets. It's a difficult decision for any pet owner to have to make.

Edgar is one pet who was adopted from the Richmond Animal League years ago and returned recently for financial reasons. A victim of the recession just like his owner, Edgar is now waiting for his next home, which we hope will be his "forever home." Friendly and playful, Edgar would make a great companion for an active person with a cat-free household. For more information, please visit the Richmond Animal League website at www.ral.org, or contact adopt@ral.org.