The Rising Tide of Pet Ownership and Its Challenges: A Closer Look at Franklin County

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented changes in daily life, one of which was a significant increase in pet ownership across the United States. As people found themselves isolated and seeking companionship, nearly 1 in 5 households adopted a pet, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). However, as the pandemic wanes and the cost of living rises, many pet owners in Franklin County and beyond are facing new challenges that threaten the well-being of their furry companions.

The Financial Strain of Pet Ownership

Stephanie Gingras, Fairfax’s animal control officer and founder of a mobile pet food shelf, highlights a troubling trend: “Animal abuse is on the rise, not just for malicious intent but because of the financial crisis we’re in.” This rise in neglect—defined as the failure to provide necessary shelter, food, water, and veterinary care—has become increasingly common as pet owners grapple with financial pressures.

A national study by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition revealed that while most pet owners consider their pets family members, 25% face barriers to veterinary care, primarily due to financial constraints. The consequences of this neglect can be dire, leading to prolonged suffering for pets and emotional distress for their owners. In many cases, the inability to afford care forces families to surrender their pets to shelters, further straining already overwhelmed systems.

Jennifer Dean, executive director of Franklin County Animal Rescue (FCAR), notes that most pet owners are doing their best under challenging circumstances. “They’re getting them food, giving them water, they obviously are loving them, but the vet care and the medication that really helps them not get farther down into what would be a cruelty or neglect case is starting to kind of slip a little bit,” she explains.

The Rising Costs of Veterinary Care

The financial burden of pet ownership has been exacerbated by skyrocketing veterinary costs, which have increased by 60% over the past decade, outpacing inflation. A routine vet visit for a dog can range from $50 to $250, with additional costs for necessary tests and preventive medications. The pet food market has also seen significant price hikes, with some dog food prices rising by 26.5% in just five years.

As the cost of living in Vermont continues to rise, many pet owners find it increasingly difficult to provide for their “pandemic puppies.” Dean points out that essential preventive care, such as flea and tick treatments, is often the first to be neglected. “With people’s cost of living rising and animal food prices rising, we are seeing some corners getting cut a little bit, unfortunately,” she says.

Community Support and Resources

In response to these challenges, various programs have emerged to help alleviate the financial burdens on pet owners. The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association has compiled a list of resources, including local spay and neuter programs and fundraising platforms like GoFundMe. FCAR has also initiated efforts to microchip cats and provide affordable pet care options, such as raffles for microchips.

Food shelves, like the Abenaki Food Shelf in Swanton, have seen a surge in demand for pet-related supplies. FCAR collaborates with these food shelves to donate surplus pet food, ensuring that animals can remain in their homes rather than being surrendered. Dean notes, “They went from maybe every three months giving us a phone call that they need food to every month. So they have dramatically increased the amount of pet parents who they aid.”

Gingras’s mobile pet food shelf also plays a crucial role in supporting pet owners who struggle to afford care. By providing applications and resources for pet welfare programs, she aims to bridge the gap for those facing financial hardships. “I know for some people it can be hard. ‘Hey 50 cents [for a stamp] or I feed my kid or my dog.’ It’s a tough choice,” she says.

The Veterinarian Shortage

Compounding the challenges faced by pet owners is a significant shortage of veterinarians in Vermont. The state experienced a 9% decrease in available veterinary care from 2012 to 2021, and rural areas have been particularly hard hit. A 2023 Johns Hopkins study revealed a staggering 90% decline in rural veterinarians since World War II.

Dean explains that the lack of local veterinary options makes it difficult for pet owners to access care. “We don’t have a lot of vets, especially in Franklin County, so getting in is really difficult,” she says. The high cost of veterinary education and the rising prices of necessary medications further complicate the situation.

Dr. Karen Bradley, chair of the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association’s government relations committee, notes that the demand for veterinary services surged during the pandemic as people became more attuned to their pets’ health. “For the first time in my career, many clinics were closing to new patients and there were wait times for weeks and weeks,” she explains.

The Shelter Crisis

As financial pressures mount, more pet owners are surrendering their animals to shelters. FCAR has implemented a waitlist process for surrenders, prioritizing urgent cases and Franklin County residents. The shelter is currently at capacity, with all available spots filled with surrendered or rescued animals.

The national trend shows that more animals are entering shelters than leaving, leading to longer stays for pets. In 2021, 2% more animals entered shelters than exited, and this figure doubled in 2022. While recent reports indicate a decrease in intake, the length of stay for animals in shelters continues to rise, leading to overcrowding and increased stress for both staff and animals.

Dean emphasizes the impact of housing instability on pet ownership. “People struggling with housing can struggle to continue to own pets, and losing housing might be a reason to give up pets,” she says. The staff at FCAR work tirelessly to care for the animals, often putting in long hours to meet the needs of the growing population of pets in their care.

Conclusion

The challenges facing pet owners in Franklin County are emblematic of a larger crisis affecting animal welfare across the nation. As financial pressures mount and veterinary resources dwindle, the need for community support and innovative solutions has never been more critical. By coming together to provide resources, education, and assistance, we can help ensure that our furry friends receive the care they deserve, even in the toughest of times.