Seattle-area shelters are flooded with families surrendering their beloved pets. This isn’t because they don’t want pets anymore, but simply because they can’t afford the pet food rise or because they had to move in with other relatives. Rent, and their puppies can’t make it.
Three years ago, a dog named Sadie was taken to a Seattle humanitarian shelter in Bellevue. Sadie’s owner was going through a rough time and had to move to California for work.
But Sadie was unable to join them.
“She was an American Staffordshire terrier. I was. The decision to leave her behind was not an easy one.
Sadie was in Seattle Humane for about a month before a new family came and adopted her.
However, like her first family, this did not go well. Last fall, Sadie returned to Seattle her Humane for the second time.
Her story is one of hundreds that Bellevue shelters hear each week. Families who love their pets but can’t have one for some reason.
Seattle Humane intake manager Jess Charlton said, “No one is here asking. Honestly, it often sounds like the saddest day of their lives. We reserve a lot of space for the grief and trauma that’s going on: people and pets.”
Charlton said he often has to give up his pets when living conditions change, such as moving to an apartment that doesn’t allow pets or has an expensive pet deposit.
“This kind of thing happens all the time,” Charlton said. Maybe we can keep it. And help support that decision. ”
So far this year, Charlton has seen a significant increase in the number of pets handed over. Seattle Humane was to receive approximately 4,500 animals. Instead, the shelter is on pace to accommodate nearly 7,000 people.
“On average, we have 100 requests in our inbox and about 50 voicemails per day,” says Charlton.
The number of cases has risen to the point where you typically have to wait about a week after contacting Seattle Human before you can bring in your pet. You may not want to wait a week between filling out and going to the shelter.
“This is the first time I’ve seen someone post ‘I found this pet, or found this dog, or found this pet group’ and it’s like, ‘I have a PSQ for that pet.’ ” they said.
Charlton said the increase in pet handovers and some abandonment shows what’s happening in the community more broadly. rice field.
John Fleshman knows about dog food prices. Fleshman owns his Denny’s Pet World in Kirkland, a business that has been running for nearly his 50 years.
Freshman said price increases by food manufacturers since the pandemic began were “amazing.”
“Usually dog food companies raise prices once a year,” he said. “Last year, in the last few years, some people did her four fundraises in one year. We couldn’t keep up with that. We had to have people.” All she did was raise the price.”
Seattle Human says volunteers are increasing food donations and pet adoptions to help meet the demand.
Like Sadie, the Staffordshire Terrier who was returned to shelter twice.
In December, Sadie’s first family, who moved to California, saw their old dog re-adopted.
They decide they are stable enough to bring Sadie home.
Soon after, the Seattle Humane teamed up with Tulare Animal Services to drive Sadie south.
“They were a little nervous to see if she remembered. She’s a little shy, so it took her a little time to warm up. Jump in the car and drive home together.” I’m happy to be here, and I heard she’s doing very well.”
