Many owners complain about higher feed or veterinary costs. Dogs and cats often become a financial burden. More and more owners are therefore considering giving up their pet. This also affects animal shelters and animal protection associations.
“It’s going to be really hard to afford the dog food,” says an East Tyrolean with two golden retrievers. The effects of the Ukraine crisis have been weighing on the wallet for some time now. As in almost all areas of life, the cost of pet food has risen significantly. But she doesn’t want to save on her beloved four-legged friends: “Before I give up one or even both or buy worse food, I’d rather cut back on myself. I’m happy to accept that.”
Hermann Aigner, General Manager of Fressnapf Austria, also confirms that there have been price increases in recent months: “In general, it can be said that issues such as rising energy prices, the war in Ukraine and the global supply chain problem are all leading to price increases. The pet industry is not spared either.”
How high the price increases for animal feed actually are, was not answered to the question of the “Krone”. However, there is still no sign of a decline in customer demand. Pets have become increasingly important in recent years, and this has also been exacerbated by Covid-19. It is of course not possible to estimate how long the price increases in animal feed will last in all areas.
Mediation of animals is becoming increasingly difficult
The difficult financial situation often affects animal shelters and animal protection organizations as well. “It’s not just about the pet food, it’s about the whole situation. It’s really a problem that people can no longer afford the animals,” says Inge Rauchenecker of the Kitzbüheler Animal Welfare Association. Since there is no animal shelter in the vicinity of Gamsstadt, her association mediates in giving away animals.
The balance of the association for the first half of the year is doubtful: during this period Rauchenecker had to place as many dogs in a year as usual. When money is tight, a vet bill is usually no longer affordable. “So it will also be more difficult to mediate. The dog tax applies and a second dog will cost the same amount,” she points out further costs.
Animal shelters are reaching their financial limits
Christoph Lauscher, president of the Tyrolean Animal Welfare Association, takes the same line. On average, animal feed prices rose by more than 20 percent. “We always try to take advantage of promotions, although it must be said that they are also offered much less often. So we have to try to get our feed reasonably cheaply,” he describes the financial situation.
Supporters stay, donations are smaller
In general, you feel the price increases in all areas. In addition to electricity and feed, there are also calculations for veterinary costs and personnel. “The current situation creates uncertainty among people. We notice that the donations have fallen considerably.” As funds dwindle, requests from people to donate their pets are also increasing at the Animal Welfare Association.
“They say they don’t want it, but they can’t afford it anymore. There are cases where the veterinary costs are higher than usual. They clearly have little reserves there.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
