Are Pets Victims of the Recession?

Are PETS VICTIMS of the RECESSION? As banks foreclose on houses, many people become impoverished, and it isn't just the owners who lose their home. Their pets are often forced into shelters or worse, left behind. STETS In this infographic, you'll learn how pets suffer during hard economic times and how you can help these furry companions. HELP * ME , * Animals LEFT BEHIND * Every year, 5 to 7 million domesticated animals enter shelters. D] 3 to 4 million of them are euthanized annually. [1] That's about Nearly 60% of one every dogs and 70% eight of cats that seconds. [2] enter these shelters are put to sleep. [1] More than 20% of people who From 2006 to 2011, pet ownership in the United States has declined by 2.4%.171 adopted a dog from an animal shelter end up returning them. [1] I AM BACK, GUYS 1.9% for dogs 6.2% for cats The recession began in 2007 and by November of 2009, unemployment was well over 10%. [8] JOBS? STRAYS It's estimated that there are up to 70 million stray cats in the United States. A cat can produce up to 2 litters a year The average and the average litter for a dog is four to six pups. litter size is four to six kittens. For every 7 dogs and person born in the U.S., cats are born. (3] However, only 20% of these pets remain in their original home for the length of their life. • The other 80% end up on the streets or are left in shelters. On average it costs $100 to capture, house, feed and eventually kill an animal in a shelter. [3] This adds up to an estimated $2 billion a year for U.S. taxpayers. What can you DO TO HELP? * Spay or neuter your pets. Spaying a dog can cost $50 to $175. (5] • A female dog and her offspring have the potential to give birth to 67,000 dogs in 6 years. [3] Find a home for your pet or take them with you. (6] Don't set your pet free or abandon them. • Find them a new home with a friend, coworker, or family member. • Use online resources to find local rescue centers or animal shelters for your furry companion. • Submitting your animal to an open-admission shelter does not guarantee they will be adopted or kept alive, especially if overcrowding occurs. Leaving pets behind in your foreclosed home can be considered neglect and abuse - you could be prosecuted. Don't hoard animals. Find homes or shelters for animals you don't have the space for. [4] An estimated 250,000 animals are victims of hoarders every year. If you're an animal lover, donate food or time to your local shelter to help ease their financial burden. * CONCLUSION * Animals don't have to suffer with you during your financial hardships. Before you move out, or if you just can't afford to keep them anymore, find your furry friend suitable homes where they will have a happier futures. Ttotal bankruptcy Sources: [1] http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-statistics.aspx [2] http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/ [3] http://www.billfoundation.org/html/cold_hard_facts.html [4] http://aldf.org/article.php?id=250 [5] http://pets.costhelper.com/spay-neuter-dog.html [6] http://www.petfinder.com/after-pet-adoption/pet-owners-foreclosure.html [7] https://www.avma.org/News/PressRoom/Pages/Sneak-preview-of-AVMA-Pet-Demographic- Sourcebook-at-2012-convention-in-San-Diego.aspx [8] http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/the-great-recession-in-the-united-states