Soaring inflation leads to overloaded animal shelters

MILWAUKEE — The cost of living is on the rise and animal shelters nationwide are filled with pets that many people can no longer afford.

Karen Sparapani is the executive director of Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control, or MADACC.

She said many people surrender their pets as strays to the Milwaukee County animal shelter because they can't afford high medical costs, food and pet supplies.

"The costs are extraordinary, and people can't afford to give it the care their animal needs, especially if it gets a chronic or a sudden illness. That's often why they bring them here," said Sparapani.

Sparapani said she wants people to know that if they are struggling to pay the bills, even if it's for costly medical care, there are resources available.

She said she encourages pet owners to call their local shelter or MADACC for guidance.

"It wasn't COVID that brought the animals in (to the shelters), it was the aftereffects with the economy," said Sparapani.

Dr. Justin Bergeron is MADACC's veterinarian. He said if people are proactive with their pet's health care, the growing number of animals ending up in shelters could decrease.

"Stay up to date on vaccinations. We see a lot of Parvo cases that come through here. It is a very cheap vaccine, and we could save a lot (of animals) on that issue if they were simply up to date on their vaccinations," said Bergeron.

Bergeron said monthly heartworm treatments are a must. This treatment not only treats the disease but serves as a dewormer, which is important because worms can transfer to humans from their pets.

He said it is also crucial to keep your pet at a healthy weight because obesity can lead to many serious musculoskeletal issues and metabolic diseases.

"Pets get diabetes too, and for a lot of people, that is more than they can treat, and so they end up here," said Bergeron.

Bergeron said if your budget is tight, don't be afraid to be upfront with your veterinarian and do what you can.

He said if you wait to see your vet for a pet's basic health needs, it could end up costing you much more down the line.

Bergeron said one of his biggest tips for the summer is to make sure your animals are always leashed or in the yard. He also recommends treating them for fleas and ticks, keeping them hydrated and out of hot cars.