Economic Euthanasia - Tough Choices in a Tough Economy
Economic Euthanasia is a term veterinarians have known for years. Sadly in these tough times, the term has become more mainstream, even though this situation has been around for a long time. What is economic euthanasia? That is when a pet has to be euthanized (put down) due mainly to financial concerns, sometimes for very treatable conditions. Paired with this are the many healthy animals being abandoned and surrendered at shelters because people are unable to afford food and other basic needs for their pet. According to this article on msnbc.com, Mark Kumpf, president of the National Animal Control Association, said he’s seen a 20 percent spike in people turning in animals at his shelter in the past year, and an equal hike in the number of people who request what’s known as "economic euthanasia."
Related Reading: The Tragedy of Economic Euthanasia From Cats Guide Franny Syufy.
There are ways to find help, though. I have read many recent stories on Twitter about human food banks becoming pet food banks to serve those struggling to feed their pets. Meals on Wheels has implemented pet food to their senior meal deliveries as well. Check with your local food banks and pet shelters -- I know that shelters are more than happy to accept donations of food, supplies, volunteer time, and of course, cash donations.
Please share your tips: how do you save money on pet and vet care? You can help others who may be in a stressful financial situation with their pets.
Additional money-stretching resources:
- 9 Tips to Save Money on Pet Care and Vet Bills
- Health Insurance & Wellness Plans for Animals
- If You Need Help Paying For Veterinary Services
Excellent comprehensive list from Nancy Kay DVM, author of Speaking for Spot.
Photo credit: "Rejoice over touch" © cnynfreelancer on Flickr
Comments
Dear Dr. Janet,
This is an EXCELLENT and very timely article. This artlcle is so great because you do not just discuss a very difficult topic;you offer suggestions to lower costs of pets and where to go for help. These issues are hard for ALL animal lovers, pet owners,breeders,pet sitters,technicians and veterinarians. I think if we can start to share ideas, like you have here, we can figure out new ways to solve the hard economic choices about our pets.
I am really concerned also about animal rescue organizations and shelters. Even in the best of times they struggle to take care of the unowned animals in their charge. One thing we can do is make sure our puppies and kittens get spayed and neutered. Even if we can not afford to give financially, we can still help. Volunteering a few hours a week can make a big difference in a shelter animals life. It will also help them make ends meet, and be greatly appreciated. I hope if we can come up with novel ways to help and talking to each other, we can lessen the impact these hard times will have on innocent animals.
I’m a huge advocate of pet insurance, in part because of this very reason. And it goes beyond the “putting down” of a beloved animal for economic reasons…millions more animals suffer with illnesses because the money just isn’t there for proper veterinary treatment. Insurance isn’t terribly expensive, and I consider it to be a budgetary requirement so I set a little money aside each month so that it’s there at premium renewal time. I’ve had cat after cat after cat develop serious illnesses, and I reached the point years ago where there just aren’t any more magic wands I can wave to pay for care, or even medication, without insurance. I understand the financial hardship. It’s such a terrible decision for people to have to make, having to weigh their pet’s well-being or very life, against $$.
I like that Dr. Merrifield talks about shelters and other rescue organizations, and volunteering. That’s a really loving and thoughtful expression of animals needs and ways that we can try to help.
I probably angered some humans this past Christmas, but I gave them no presents. Instead, I wrote a check to my local animal shelter, which is run so well I board my own dog there if I’m going on a trip where I can’t bring her.
Great and very timely article. We have a policy that we will not perform economic euthanasia. Instead we refer owners to other resources in the community to help them with their expenses.
We have also been promoting pet insurance as a means of offsetting the cost of unexpected expense from illness.
Animal Clinic of Granger, those are great approaches! Please post these practices online wherever and whenever you see even a remotely related topic. Would love to have those practices widely adopted.
Most communities also now have, or have access to, no-kill shelters and other rescue organizations, though in some rural areas it might be a bit of a drive (well worth taking this option, though). Sometimes a local “kill” shelter (Humane Societies, etc.) partners with no-kill shelters, so don’t count them out fearing your animal will just be put to death.
Small rescue organizations are more plentiful than you’d think, and are often “run” by a couple of people, fueled by passion for helping animals and low on resources, so advertising, etc., can be nonexistent. So call every shelter and ask ask ask questions until you find one who’ll give your pet the best chance.