Pet charity expecting spike in demand due to COVID-19’s economic effects
As thousands struggle to make ends meet amid a faltering economy, vet charities are opening their arms to make sure family pets aren’t being forced to sacrifice their health for the budget.
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Anyone with a pet knows they don’t come cheap, so a charity aimed at keeping people with their pets offered a helping hand to the homeless and vulnerable in the city today.
The charity Safe Pets, Safe Families runs regular veterinary clinics, providing check-ups and vaccinations for the pets of the homeless, as well as a foster car program for those no longer able to keep their pets.
Founder Jennifer Howard said demand had risen since COVID-19 struck, particularly for the charity’s foster service.
“We’ve even had a request to find a home for a camel,” she said.
“Right now we’ve got lizards, rabbits, goats, dogs, cats and birds in the foster program, and we’ve also had snakes and horses in the past.”
Ms Howard said requests for rehoming pets had even come in from people stuck overseas, who had friends or families looking after their pets in South Australia and no longer could provide the service.
“COVID-19 has affected so many people in different ways,” she said.
“We have seen a new type of client, people that have lost their jobs and are struggling to get pet food or vet care for their pets.”
Maddie Powell was homeless last year but is now in community housing. She brought her 12-week-old Golden Retriever puppy Miles into the veterinary service in the city yesterday.
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“While I’m no longer homeless, I’m always looking for ways to save money, because I am still living pay cheque to pay cheque,” she said.
“To be able to come in for a check-up, and be assured he’s OK, I’m pretty grateful.”
With Ms Howard expecting the rise in demand for her charity’s service to continue, she is running a ‘Fill Their Bowl’ project. Just like the human Food Bank, Safe Pets Safe Families run a Pet Food Bank and donations of food can provide peace of mind for a struggling family and their pet.
Ms Howard said providing a meal for a pet could not only provide peace of mind for its owner, but a chance to buy a meal for themselves.
