More pets looking for new homes in Toronto
A recent report by the CBC cites that there is a growing number of pets - dogs, cats, rabbits, and others - are being surrendered by their owners at shelters in Toronto as the return to office ramps up and people face increasing costs of caring for their pets. According to Toronto Animal Services, 845 pets have landed in shelters during the first half of 2022 compared to 520 during the same period in 2021, which represents a 63% increase in pets surrendered at shelters.
For many, working from home during the pandemic presented the perfect opportunity to add a new member to their pack. Pet ownership soared during the pandemic. A survey commissioned by Purina in 2021 revealed that 3.8 million Canadians adopted, purchased, or fostered a cat or dog during the pandemic. As the public health measures ease, people’s lifestyles are changing and this has led to some surrendering their pets. Another reason is an increase in the cost of living.
An employee of Toronto Animal Services says they are receiving a ton of calls every day from people needing to surrender their animals. They noted that there are a lot of animals at the shelter already, and there is a long waiting list of people who are trying to get their pets in.
Helping with costs
The cost of almost everything has been on the rise, and that includes the cost of dog food, treats, and other items, and services that are needed to care for pets. Toronto Animal Services is doing what it can to support pet owners facing financial difficulties. They are hosting several mobile clinics throughout the summer in various neighbourhoods across Toronto to provide low-cost microchips, rabies vaccines, food, and pet licensing. Rabies vaccines will be administered by a veterinarian licensed in Ontario.
Upcoming Mobile Clinics
Breakaway Community Services
21 Strickland Ave
July 27, 2022
4:00-7:00 pm
Scarborough Gardens Arena
75 Birchmount Rd
August 17, 2022
4:00-7:00 pm
LAMP Community Health Centre
185 Fifth St
September 14, 2022
4:00-7:00 pm