Bad economy bad for pets

A stagnant economy is affecting pets, too.

It's not a new story. The economy falters, companies downsize. Employees lose their jobs, can't pay bills and are forced to move out of their homes.

That can be difficult enough. But for some victims of the economy who find themselves in tight financial situations, there's another difficult issue to tackle:

What do I do with my pet?

Read the entire article by Abbey Roy in the Newark (Ohio) Advocate.

Increasing cases of animal abandonment and shelter overcrowding indicate that pets aren't immune from the economy's toll on the nation. As pet owners continue to tighten their budgets to make ends meet, many are turning to shelters or abandoning their animals simply because they can't afford to keep them.

The Licking County Humane Society works with people who feel they have to give up their pets, asking if they are doing so because they can't afford to feed them.

If that is the case, there are places where food can be obtained such as a pet food pantry in Newark.

People are also cutting back on preventive care, such as heartworm prevention and fecal checks.

Sad to say, I am sure people are cutting back on their own care as well.

Pets help owners cope

A survey of 400 Americans conducted by Catalyst Direct, a digital direct marketing firm based in Rochester, N.Y., found that pets help their owners deal with the tough economic climate.

Reported by UPI.com, the study said a majority "stated their pets' emotional support and non-judgmental attitude are key to helping them survive challenging times."

While 73 percent of those questioned said they were more worried about finances, 89 percent said their pets help them deal with stress, 83 percent said their pets provided a steadiness in an uncertain economy and 86 percent valued their pets' appreciation.

From Catalyst Direct:

When asked about spending cuts, pet owners stated that they would be willing to compromise on personal purchases before cutting back on purchases for their dogs and cats: 79% would reduce spending on vacations; 77% on clothing; 49% on certain personal/family food items; 41% Internet/cable and 41% on gas.

The company said its study was unique in that it looked specifically at benefits pets provide their owners in dealing with economy-related personal pressures.

For the love of pets

Are pets recession proof?

That's the premise of an Albany Times Union article by Christen Gowan.

The owners of Paw Lickers Bakery and Boutique, located in Greenfield Center, N.Y., just outside of Saratoga Springs, think so, too.

At Paw Lickers Bakery and Boutique in Greenfield Center, business had been so steady that co-owners David and Marianne Gage were able to expand into new space in the Stewart's Shops plaza on Route 9N.

The mother-and-son duo bake the doggie delectables sold in the Saratoga County store and also market them to other stores. "It's been fantastic," David Gage said of the recent expansion. "Seventy-five to 80 percent of the business is online through the Web site."

Gage goes back to the not-so-old saw that the dog isn't just a dog, but a member of the family.

"People still want to get the best things for their pets," Gage said, regardless of the economy. "We take comfort in our pets. The last thing we want to do is cut them off."

The American Pet Products Association, a Greenwich, Conn., nonprofit, estimates 61 percent of American household have pets and their owners will spend about $45.4 billion on them this year. Most of that will be for food and supplies.

Still tough out there for some pet owners

Here's another article on how pets are being impacted by the recession.

The Dallas Morning News said more pet owners are cutting out vaccinations, skipping veterinary visits and even surrendering the animals to shelters or opting for euthanasia for sick animals instead of having to pay for long-term medical care.

"There's a lot of pain," said Nikki Walker, development director at Operation Kindness, a North Texas shelter that has seen owner surrenders increase dramatically. "People are having to make tough decisions about feeding their pets or feeding their children."

In March, the American Veterinary Medical Association reported statistics showed how the recession was affecting vet care.

The study found clinic visits were down and pet owners were choosing less expensive treatments and refusing nonessential and diagnostic procedures.

Locally, there is a shelter that takes in cats and kittens — Mid Hudson Animal Aid, Inc., in Beacon — that may have to stop taking in cats until its donations increase. Their capacity is 180 felines; they know have well over 200.

I'm working on a story about the private, nonprofit organization, in fact photographer Karl Rabe is scheduled to shoot some pictures at the shelter today. As soon as I know when the story is going to run, I'll post information.

Who said there's no free dog's lunch?

A California-based premium pet food company is giving away 10,000 bags of its dog food.

The catch?

The dog's owner has to be unemployed.

From the Dogswell Web site:

Is your career in the pooper scooper? Have you recently been canned and are desperately in need of some kibble? Are you simply tired of this doggone economy? Dogswell is here to help! From April 15 – May 15, Dogswell will offer one free bag of dry dog food to the first 10,000 eligible people.

It's called the Bow Wow Bailout, and you can click on the link above to get the redemption form and instructions on where to send it.

This economy is something isn't, creating marketing possibilities everywhere?

Where's your retirement fund? In Kongs?

The Associated Press has an article about pet owners not cutting back on spending for their companion animals during increasingly tough economic times.

According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans will spend an estimated $43.4 billion this year on everything from treats to training for their pets — 26 percent higher than in 2004.

"Backing that up is a poll earlier this year in ShopSmart, a publication from Consumer Reports, which says female shoppers are more likely to buy cheaper brands of everything from medication to milk, but are digging in their heels when it comes to switching to less-expensive pet food and personal care items.

"Some parts of the pet food industry, particularly gourmet and organic pet food, will likely be even more insulated than the sellers of pet carriers, clothing and outdoor gear."

The food I can understand. Kate doesn't do well over the long term on any food that contains corn-based products so I've had to switch her permanently to a veterinarian-prescribed, and pricey, food.

And with the recent spate of pet-food recalls (see this one from yesterday), it makes even more sense that people are hesitant to switch pet diets.

But I was feeling extravagent a couple of weeks ago when I bought Kate a new bed from BJ's to replace one that was several years old — and looked it.

Pet thefts on the rise

Another sign of the economy, according to this article on MSNBC.com, is a rise in pet thefts.

American Kennel Club spokesperson Lisa Peterson said that toy breeds, puppies and purebred dogs that are expensive-looking are most vulnerable. Stolen breeds tracked by the AKC in 2008 include Yorkshire terriers, poodles, Pomeranians and bulldogs.

Some thieves walk off with puppies from pet stores and animal shelters or take dogs tied up outside stores and coffee shops. Others break into cars where dogs have been left while their owners run an errand. Some have even posed as prospective puppy buyers to case breeders’ homes, breaking in later to snatch the dogs, says Peterson.

So, keep your eyes on your pooches, people.