Millions of Families Struggle to Keep Their Pets Amid Rising Costs

According to Kitty Block of Humane World for Animals, a heartbreaking trend is emerging in the U.S.: people who consider their pets family are being forced to give them up because they simply can’t afford their care. One man told the Chicago Sun-Times he waited in line for two hours to surrender his dog—not because he wanted to, but because he had to choose between rent, gas, food, or vet bills. Sadly, he is not alone.

Veterinary costs have surged by 42% since 2019, driven by corporate consolidation, higher supply prices, and advanced medical services. At the same time, inflation and restrictive housing policies are making it harder for families—especially those earning under $75,000 a year—to provide stable homes for pets. Estimates suggest that at least 20 million animals currently live in households facing poverty, where affordable vet care and resources are scarce. Shelters across the country are feeling the strain, with adoptions falling by 13% since 2019.

Medium and large dogs are the most impacted, often rejected by landlords due to breed and weight restrictions. This not only breaks up families but also creates overcrowded shelters where animals wait longer for homes. Advocates like Humane World are pushing for reforms—such as expanding telemedicine, removing discriminatory housing policies, and funding affordable vet care—but the need far outpaces current resources.

There are ways individuals can help. From supporting community pet food banks and rescues to volunteering time or donating funds, small actions make a huge difference. You can also advocate for policies that protect the human-animal bond, ensuring no one has to choose between survival and their companion.

If you’re able, step up for your neighbors and local shelters. Share resources, Donate when you can, and challenge unfair housing rules. Every act of compassion helps keep families—and their animals—together.

Sign These Petitions! 

Please sign our latest and most urgent petitions to help the planet. Every signature counts!

• Petition: Kabul Could Run Out of Water by 2030 – 7 Million Lives at Risk
• Petition: Protect Bodega Cats and Legalize Their Rights in NYC Shops
• Petition: Justice for Tinkerbell the Dog Strangled by Owner

Related Content:

•  5 Life Lessons from Our Furry Friends: What Pets Teach Us About Ourselves!
•  Abandoned Pets Highlight Hidden Toll of ICE Raids
•  Petition: Ban UK Dog Owners Who Allegedly Starved Their Pets To Death-Like States
•  People Who Call Their Pets Their Kids Share These Remarkable Traits

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Stand against fast fashion Pollution by supporting circular brands like Tiny Rescue, which create cause-based collections using recycled, zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade, ensuring it never ends up in a landfill.
• Shop Sustainably for Your Home: Visit SustaiNOBLE.org, an eco-friendly and ethically sourced home decor store that will empower your home with luxurious fair-trade, and sustainable products made by global artisans. 
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!