Millions of pets across the U.S. live in food-insecure homes. And additional economic factors such as inflation, job instability, rising housing costs and the cost of veterinary care can sometimes push those households to a breaking point. That can leave families with little choice but to surrender their furry companions to shelters.
Kelsey Dickerson with the Arizona Humane Society says they’re seeing an uptick in surrenders.
"Unfortunately, when it comes to either paying the rent or putting food on the table for your family or paying for your pet, families are having to make that really heart-wrenching decision to unfortunately give up their pet," Dickerson said.
Another challenge, Dickerson said, is the lack of pet-friendly housing and the increasing number of evictions.
