Do you find yourself poring over your latest bank statement, trying to decide between new school shoes for your child or petrol for your car? This situation is becoming all too common, not only in South Africa but all over the world.
Daily life is getting expensive, and the cost of living keeps rising. Necessities we could afford a few years ago are now becoming luxuries. Housing, groceries, healthcare and transport are all vying for the attention of a shrinking wallet. It’s tough out there, for many people – and for their pets, too.
Difficult choices
Rising prices are forcing people to make tough choices about where to spend their money. For many, the cost of caring for a pet is becoming unaffordable. Caring for a pet isn’t cheap. Responsible pet owners are well aware of the costs of good-quality food, veterinary care, pet sitters and/or daycares for their beloved furry friends – not to mention the price of pet toys and accessories. Blankets, beds, harnesses, car restraints, pet insurance and bowls – the list goes on! Be sure you can cover these costs (and more) before you decide to adopt a pet.
But what happens if you can no longer afford all the luxuries your pampered pup or coddled cat is used to? You may find that the cost of living has exceeded your salary or that you’ve lost your job. It may seem hopeless. You might realise you can no longer give your pet the quality of life he deserves and consider surrendering him.
No one comes to this decision lightly. For many pet parents, this is the last resort.
Safe options
However, if you find yourself in this situation, there are options. First of all, there is no reason to abandon your pet. Even if you are desperate, the worst thing you can do is leave your pet on the side of the road. There are 70 SPCAs spread across the country that take in stray or surrendered animals at no cost (although donations are always welcomed). The SPCA never refuses admission of any animal and there is no cost involved.
Being a responsible pet owner is not only about caring for your pet. It is also about acknowledging that, if you are struggling to care for your pet, it is better to surrender him to your local SPCA than to let him suffer. Surrendering your pet does not mean you no longer love him. It means you love him enough to make sure he is kept safe until he can find a new home.
Do NOT do it!
Never sell your pet online or give him away for free. Many unscrupulous people out there will buy your pet to use him for hunting, dog fighting, breeding or other questionable practices.
The SPCA will ensure that your pet is treated with kindness and compassion and will do their best to find him a loving home. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t be afraid to surrender your pet if necessary – it is the kind and responsible thing to do.
If you are still able to feed and care for your pets but cannot afford veterinary care, your local SPCA can assist. Many SPCAs offer social assistance. There are also numerous animal welfare organisations across the country that help treat, sterilise and feed the pets of those in need. If you are struggling to feed or care for your pet, contact your local animal welfare organisation for help.
South Africa’s SPCAs are not funded by the government and rely solely on donations and sponsorships. If you’d like to support your local SPCA, contact them for information on how you can help. Donations don’t necessarily need to be monetary – consider donating your time as well.
Many SPCAs welcome volunteers to help them with daily chores like feeding animals, assisting with cleaning kennels, washing blankets and walking and playing with animals. What better way to spend the day than giving love and attention to stray and surrendered dogs and cats?
While surrendering your pet may seem like the worst thing you could do, it is often the best thing you can do for him if you can no longer care for him.
For more information on surrendering a pet, volunteering or donating to the NSPCA or your local SPCA, contact them at nspca@nspca.co.za or visit their websites and social media pages.
By: NSPCA
