Dogs’ Home sees rise in medical surrenders from cost of living

Suzie arrived at one Tasmanian animal shelter nearly blind and in “significant pain” from a medical condition. Why more dogs like her are being surrendered during the festive season.

Suzie from the Dogs' Homes of Tasmania is a medical surrender. She is waiting for her new home. DOG

In the costly lead-up to Christmas, dog shelters are reporting an “unprecedented” rise in medical surrenders, as soaring living costs force pet owners to give up their animals because they can’t afford veterinary care.

The Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania has seen a surge in cases where families can no longer afford essential care for their pets. Many dogs are arriving with conditions so advanced that saving them is almost impossible, the charity says.

In just the past week, nine dogs were surrendered with critical health issues, including cancer, untreated fractures, osteoarthritis, and tumours.

“The number of serious medical cases we’re seeing is unprecedented,” CEO Mark Wild said.

“Add to that the rising costs of everything — from veterinary supplies to basic necessities — and the strain on our resources is enormous.”

Medical surrender Suzie with staff members Melissa and Dr Ros at the Dogs Homes' of Tasmania. DOG

Medical cases often arrive at the shelter in “immense pain,” Mr Wild added.

“We’re seeing dogs with broken bones that were never treated, tumours left to grow, and conditions so severe they’ve become life-threatening.”

One such case is Suzie, a Shar Pei now available for adoption. Suzie arrived nearly blind and in “significant pain” from bilateral entropion, a condition where her eyelids scraped against her corneas. Her owners, unable to afford the $3500 surgery quoted by their vet, decided to surrender her.

In Facebook comments on her adoption post, Tasmanians shared similar experiences.

“I remember having to make the hurtful decision to put my old boy to sleep because I couldn’t afford the bills,” one man wrote. “It broke me and made me very, very angry and resentful at the world.”

Mr Wild said the surge in medical surrenders reflects the financial struggles many Tasmanians are facing, but the burden on the shelter, which receives no government funding, is huge.

“But we never turn away a dog who needs help, no matter how complex their medical issues are,” Mr Wild said.

Medical surrender Bear is looking for a new home after undergoing multiple surgeries. DOG

“There’s no time limit on how long they stay with us while they wait for their forever home. Every dog deserves that chance.”

Shelley Shay and her husband have recently fostered Bear, a medical surrender with a painful condition that required multiple surgeries.

She called it a “privilege” to care for a dog in its lowest moments, and describes Bear as a “gentleman” who loves snuggles on the bed.

“I think this time of year people are tossing up: Do I give the kids Christmas, or does that money go on a vet bill? Times are really tough, and I really feel for people,” she said.

Currently, the shelter is housing more than 100 dogs across its sites in Hobart, Devonport, and Burnie, as well as two litters of puppies.

Mr Wild said the shelter’s annual Christmas Appeal is more critical than ever, as the charity operates solely on public donations.

“Donations directly fund surgeries, long-term health care and resources for dogs left without hope,” he said.

“Without support, many of these animals won’t get the second chance they deserve.”

To contribute to the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania Christmas Appeal, visit www.dhot.com.au/appeal.