Calgary Humane Society overloaded with surrendered pets, amid surging costs of ownership

The Calgary Humane Society has suspended animal intake because of overwhelming demand for animal surrender as the cost of owning a pet rises in the city.

About 250 dogs, 62 cats and 35 exotic animals were on its waitlist as of Tuesday. Those animals are being triaged based on urgent medical needs. 

A spokesperson says the shelter has been operating over capacity for most of 2023 and receives about 30 to 40 new inquiries for animal surrender daily.

"We simply cannot keep up with the demand coming from the community," said Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons, associate director of community engagement.

"We're even having a hard time adopting out puppies and kittens; … normally it's quite simple to get those animals adopted."

Fitzsimmons said some people looking to give up ownership adopted animals they can't afford or were pushed out of pet-friendly housing because of rising rental costs. 

She said the cost of owning a dog has increased to an average of about $2,500 per year, not including medical expenses. The cost of owning a cat has reached $1,800 per year.

"For some people, it's about putting food on the table for their family or getting their dog the dental surgery that it needs, and they can't really afford both," said Fitzsimmons. 

At pet stores, food prices are also on the rise.

Doodle Dogs, a Calgary-only dog supply retail chain, has seen its pet food and accessories prices increase by about 14 per cent since 2022, according to co-owner Corey White. 

White also said fewer people are buying non-essential toys for their pets. 

Last year, his company created a line of dog treats to bypass manufacturers and distributors and offer better prices to customers. 

"The disposable income isn't there, right?" said White. 

"We've kind of scaled back on a lot of niche products we used to carry because, you know, the demand just isn't there anymore due to spending habit changes."

Calgary veterinarian Julie Schell says first-time pet owners sometimes underestimate the costs of their new responsibility. 

"When you get a puppy, you have to realize that they often live 20 years," said Schell, who owns the Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital. 

"It's a huge commitment when you buy a pet, and so you have to realize and know that it costs money."

Most medical expenses dog owners will face are dependent on different factors and difficult to predict, but there are some expenses dog owners can expect. 

Neutering is often more expensive than expected and can cost up to about $1,200 for large dogs, according to Schell, but it varies greatly depending on breed and size.

She also said new dog owners should budget for annual or biannual veterinary check-ups, often costing between $75 and $125.

When prescribed specific diets for their health, some senior dogs can cost about $80 a month to feed.

To avoid racking up expensive medical bills, Schell suggests animal lovers on a budget avoid adopting French bulldogs in favour of medium-sized mixed breeds or sturdier breeds like Shiba Inus, of which she owns four. 

Calgary resident Karen Ryan recently adopted a Cavapoo mixed-breed puppy named Macy but said she lost another dog earlier this year due to health issues.

"Constant medication and constantly taking her in. It was really expensive. It was really hard."

After more than 20 years of fostering dogs, Ryan said she initially wasn't planning to adopt again because of rising costs.

"I'm a senior, and I'm on a set income," she said. "[But] I live by myself… I missed the companionship."

According to Ryan, Macy is healthy and not yet expensive to care for. 

Schell, the veterinarian, encourages all dog owners to purchase health insurance for their animals when they're young.

The Calgary Humane Society is urging more people to consider fostering so long as they budget appropriately before making the commitment.