Pets Abandoned as Living Costs Soar in Nigeria’s Inflation Crisis

A heartbreaking wave of pet abandonment is unfolding in Nigeria as a deepening cost-of-living crisis forces many owners to give up animals they once cherished. According to a recent BBC report by Uche Akolisa and Kelechi Anozia, rising inflation, job losses, and skyrocketing prices for pet food and medicine have led to record numbers of animals being left behind.

Veterinarian Dr. Mark Afua, who runs St Mark’s Animal Rescue Foundation in Lagos, now receives up to 12 animals a month—more than double from a few years ago. One pet owner, Preye Maxwell, was forced to hand over his dog Hanks after losing his job and being unable to feed or care for him. Others, with fewer options or less patience, are simply abandoning pets on the streets.

Nigeria’s inflation peaked at 35% in late 2024 after the removal of fuel subsidies, driving up the cost of essentials—including imported pet supplies—by more than 100%. With the local currency weakening and the job market tightening, even dedicated pet owners like Jackie Idimogu and Jason “the Cat Guy” Odanokende are stretching their budgets to the limit just to keep their animals safe.

While some choose to cut back on personal luxuries to care for their pets, others are confronted with impossible decisions. Concerns of animal welfare extend further in Nigeria, where abandoned pets face not only starvation but also the risk of being slaughtered for meat in some regions.

This crisis is a stark reminder: caring for animals requires long-term commitment, especially in uncertain times. If you’re considering bringing a companion animal into your life, make sure you’re prepared—for better or worse.

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