More pets are being abandoned due to inflation: Montreal SPCA
The sharp rise in the cost of living is resulting in an increase in the number of animals left in shelters, according to the Montreal SPCA.
Its executive director Sophie Gaillard said about 20 animals are abandoned every day at the shelter for financial reasons, a reality that other organizations also experience daily.
Since the beginning of the year, the Montreal SPCA has taken in 113 more cats and 81 more dogs than for the same period in 2022.
"It's not necessarily that people are irresponsible or that they no longer love their animals," she said in an interview with The Canadian Press. "It's people who are forced to give up their pets because they can't afford to take care of them."
The difficulty of finding affordable housing that accepts animals, a job loss, high veterinary fees, a separation and other life issues can lead a person to have to give their companion animal over to a shelter.
Many pet owners underestimate the actual cost of adopting a dog or a cat, especially since pets have an average life expectancy of a dozen to fifteen years.
"It's not for everyone," Gaillard acknowledges.
"In addition to the initial cost of acquiring an animal, there are other costs to consider: food and treats, grooming, training courses, the purchase of a litter box, toys, crates, scratching posts and other accessories," said the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), which has jurisdiction over pets, on its website.
In addition, there are basic vet costs such as vaccination, deworming and sterilization, as well as other care that may arise if the animal is injured or has health problems.
According to figures provided by the Association of Veterinary Physicians of Quebec, it costs approximately $2,300 annually for an adult cat and $2,700 for an adult dog to meet their basic needs. That amount can vary from one breed to another and from one animal to another.
The cost is higher for young animals, who need more care in their first year of life.
- Listen on CJAD: Inflation is causing more Montrealers to abandon their pets
- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on April 24, 2023 and was written with the financial assistance of the Meta Fellowship and The Canadian Press for news.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.