Pet Shop Haven

Animal charities and sussex vets have noticed that the Credit crunch is now taking it's toll on our fluffy friends.

Animal charities and shelters are reporting a shocking increase in the amount of animals coming into their clinics- mostly dogs and cats. During this time of economic crises, where buisnesses are collapsing and going under left, right and centre and making people redundant, our animal companions seem to be hit as well, as owners just can continue to cope with thier own bills of rent and then their pets food, veternary and insurance bills. Paying for hospical care such as animal cardiology is expensive and people just cannot afford it.  The loving family pets are being left at animal shelters or left in the middle of no-where to look after themselves.

What has bought this on? Some families got a pet last xmas, only for their job situation to change suddenly. Meaning that the families new addition is the first one out the door before the kids can become too attached. Some people are being forced out of their homes into smaller places which dont allow pets to be kept.

Can animal hospitals cope with this sudden influx in vet referrals?

Alot of animal charities and re-homing centres are close to full, now unfortunetly only taking in the most severe of emergency cases. They are also receiving less donations to, with the credit crunch seeing the belts tightening and all charities getting less handouts as people struggle to even save themselves.

The light at the end of the tunnel is that January saw some shelters report a increase in people adopting animals, most animal charities are still seeing more animals arriving than going out.

Here are alist of tips most sussex vets can agree on.

The recent recession has been getting to us all, and animal shelters seem to be getting close to full with the influx of animals unable to be cared for anymore. Some owners are staring at the difficult choice with the much loved family pet. Here's afew pointers to help you and fido through these hard times.

• Thinking of buying a pet? Do some investigate work into how much a pet can cost (still cheaper than the kids!). Can you afford to look after a pet at the moment -they can cost alot of money? Try contacting the animal shelters around in your area to take in a animal that deserves a good home.

• Get pet insurance- Sure, its not the cheapest thing in the world right now, but pet insurance is going to save you alot in the long run if your pets get sick, with vet bills being costly, try shopping around and looking for the best deals about for your pet, as some can cost from as alittle as £8 per month upwards depending on your cover plan.
• Find a cheaper pet food- Fluffy can do his/her part to help out to? They may reject a cheaper pet food at first, with some animals being picky, but if thats all there is to eat they wont be above chowing down.
• Neuter your pet. Taking care of one animal can be costly, but a whole litter can be too much to look after? This will help to keep the animal population down as shelters have more than enough animals to care for at the moment.

You've done these tips to try and keep hold of your pets, but sadly, what if those animal hospital bills are too much?

• Firstly, try the animal shelters, to see if they have room, dogs trust, the RSPCA.
• A friend or relative may decide to look after them -at least you'd still get to see them.
• DO NOT JUST ABANDON YOUR PET in the middle of nowhere.
• Put an ad up in the local paper to see if anyone is willing to take your pet off your hands.