Record Inflation Causes Overcrowding In NJ Animal Shelters

NEW JERSEY — As New Jersey residents face financial hardships and housing challenges during a time of record-high inflation, many people can no longer afford to keep their pets and are returning them to shelters.

As a result, shelters are becoming overcrowded across the state, according to the New Jersey Herald.

There are many reasons why New Jerseyans are finding it difficult to maintain their pets and keep them happy and healthy at this time.

While pandemic restrictions are loosening and more people are going back to the office and classroom, they are finding it challenging to care for their animals. Some are also relocating out of state for work and others are moving into apartments that prohibit pets, according to the NJ Herald.

Taking care of a pet can become extremely expensive, with the costs of veterinary care and food supplies. Those who are financially burdened at this time no longer can afford these extra costs and see no other option than to surrender their animals.

But now animal shelters are at capacity and finding homes for these pets is a huge challenge.

Robyn Urman, the founder of Pet ResQ Inc. in Tenafly, told NJ Herald that her foster-based rescue has approximately 18 dogs that are housed in six foster homes and cannot afford any more animals.

According to Urman, the cost of caring for a dog that was neglected is well over $1,000.

NJ Herald said Pet ResQ does not have the financial means or the labor force to take in any more animals and is seeking more volunteers, foster parents, and pet lovers who are interested in adopting.

In just the past six weeks, five dogs have been surrendered to Pet ResQ.

Sarah Sangree, director of community engagement at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, told NJ Herald that to date, 404 animals have been surrendered and 35 of those animals have been since July 1.

The shelter currently has 529 animals, of which 328 are cats and 152 are dogs, according to NJ Herald.

St. Hubert also offers an emergency boarding program for people facing a life crisis, such as an eviction or homelessness, and don't want to give up their pets just yet. It allows them to leave their pet at the shelter for about 30 days if they aren't aggressive.

In addition to its emergency boarding program, St. Hubert has partnered with eight different domestic violence shelters to create a safe haven program for individuals who are experiencing Domestic Violence and cannot take their pets with them to a housing shelter.

Urman told NJ Herald that people should really consider all that costs that go into training and caring for a pet before they bring one into their home.