The Economy's for Animals Too

Watching the drip from a wet nose slide down a chain link fence in anticipation of a pat on the head can make anyone emotional. The thought of this becoming more common during the economic downfall tugs on heartstrings.
Mankind and its best friends are both affected by the economic recession. As the wallets become thinner, and the bank accounts shrink, even pets are becoming sometimes unaffordable. It seems like an inexpensive luxury: food, toys, and an occasional trip to the vet. When the animals become too much to handle, they end up in many rescue centers and shelters.
The SPCA is a nationwide animal shelter. It offers homes to those animals given up or found on the streets, and also veterinary services. The majority of pets that come through are cats and dogs. The Cincinnati chapter has its main office on Colerain Avenue, and has just opened a new facility in Sharonville.
Karen Terpstra, vice president of operations for the SPCA Cincinnati, has seen a few fluctuations recently. She does not think the economy is the absolute reason, but has heard many stories of its effects on the influx of animals.
“You hear about foreclosure being a reason, a few mentioned that they lost a job and couldn’t afford it. Sometimes they move in with family members, or into a residence that doesn’t allow big dogs, which all reflects the state of the economy,” said Terpstra.
Soon the cost of the necessities, immunizations, and medicines could be unaffordable.
“We operated a food bank and expect to be doing so again,” said Terpstra. “Even the human shelters sometimes offer food for animals too,” she continued. On the note of immunizations, regardless of cost, “It’s a lot cheaper to prevent disease than to treat it.”
In 2007, the SPCA Cincinnati took in 15,021 animals, and in 2008 it rose to 16,598. Terpstra mentioned that they saw an 11 percent increase in animals coming in during the last year, and also a 19 percent increase in animals being adopted out.
Jenna Burck, a culinary student at Cincinnati State, has volunteered over the years at various animal shelters. “Seeing the number of animals that come through these places without a home is incredulous,” said Burck. “But the fact that it’s becoming more common right now, no doubt in relation to economics, is crazy.” Burck herself is an owner of four cats, one she recently took in from the street. “I think the increase in adoptions could be that it is relatively inexpensive from the SPCA, as compared to a breeder.”
For more information on the SPCA, volunteer work or adoptions, you can visit their website at www. SPCA.com