Veterinary Hospital Sets Up Animal Angel Fund

SEAVILLE — The US economic crisis is affecting not only Americans, but is having an increasingly bitter effect on their pets as well. An ever-greater number of US citizens can no longer care for their animals because they have lost their jobs or their houses. As many as 1 million dogs and cats are in danger of losing their homes.
Veterinarians are also feeling the effects of the weak economy. In order to save money, more and more pet owners avoid taking their animals for treatment check-ups. In order to help these people keep their pets, Shore Veterinarians of Seaville and Egg Harbor Township has set up an Animal Angel Fund to help clients who fall on hard times.
Molly, a lab mix in Seaville, was given up at Shore Veterinarians because of the need for medical attention. Dr. Nick Holland, co-owner of the veterinary hospital states, “ It is unfortunate that these difficult times have increased the number of pet surrenders at our area shelters.
But thanks to the generosity of our clients, we are sure to find a good home for this most recent surrender We have set up an Animal Angel Fund to help with animals that have serious medical needs with owners that simply cannot afford it.”
The financial crisis is threatening to create a serious animal protection problem, In the coming years, more than 6 million US house pets are likely to be threatened with some kind of distress in their lives, according to Time magazine.
Pet owners who fall on hard times often don’t have the money to take care of their animals. Pets are not cheap. Keeping a cat costs about $1,200 a year; a dog costs about twice as much, said Holland.
Abandoned animals typically end up in animal shelters. They are doubly burdened because fewer animals are adopted during a recession. In a survey conducted last November by the internet animal placement organization petfinder.com, more than half of the 12,500 shelters participating in the survey complained about fewer animal adoptions. Every second animal in US animal shelters faces euthanasia.
Those would like to adopt Molly or donate to the Animal Angel Fund at Shore Veterinarians, call 609-390-9113. Hours are from 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday.
Shore Animal Control Officer Mike McCullough pictured with lab mix Molly who was put up for adoption by her owner because of the financial crisis.