“Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” – John Lennon
Life happens. It just does. You get a job, you lose a job. You get married, you get divorced. You’re healthy, then you’re not. Life’s ups are what we stick around for, and life’s downs—well, we hope they’re not too bad or don’t last too long. But what happens if they last longer than expected? You can only tighten your belt so much before sacrifices must be made, and your cost of living has to dramatically change.
The family pooch is usually the last sacrifice anyone wants to make when financial hardships start to look more like a washed-out road. However, dogs do require a monthly budget, and if you can’t afford the kibble for the table, what happens if a hospital visit is required? Is it fair that your pet suffers because of a little bad luck? What can you do when you can no longer afford your dog?
What if You Only Need a Little Help Paying for Your Dog?
Most rescue and animal welfare organizations understand that everyone goes through financial hiccups, and they’re there to help. No one wants to put a much-loved dog into the system if there are other options.
Need a bag of dog food to see you through the month? Expired food is often given to rescue agencies, returned to the manufacturer, or thrown away. Ask your veterinarian, local shelter, or pet store if they have an extra bag you could have to get by.
Is your pet on medication? Often, unused medications are returned to the vet and kept for cases of financial hardship. Ask your vet if there are any expired or returned meds you could use until you’re back on your feet. If not, ask your vet to speak to the company representative and plead a hardship case. Your vet should be understanding, as they know all too well how much more difficult it is to find a new home for a pet with a medical history.
Finding a Temporary Home for Your Dog
Is your situation temporary? Have you had to move into a short-term, non-dog-friendly situation for a few months until your finances improve? The chance of finding someone willing and able to take your pet until you’re back on your feet is possible. Often, foster homes are friends or family who understand the situation and want to help. They also know your dog and are happy to share their home with your beloved pet.
Ask friends and family if they, or anyone they know, would be willing to care for your pet for an undetermined period of time. Offer to take the dog for walks and help with day-to-day care. Let them know that once your financial situation improves, you’ll be happy to contribute toward some of the costs until you can take your dog back permanently.
Finding a Permanent Home for Your Dog
If your situation is dire, you can no longer afford your dog, and there’s no end in sight, you may have to find a permanent home for your dog. Again, ask friends and family if they, or someone they know, would like to adopt your pet. Also, ask acquaintances at the dog park and post signs in local dog-walking areas. If people already know your dog, you have a great chance of finding a good home without many interviews or meetings.
If asking around doesn’t result in a permanent home, you may need to advertise in the local paper or online, or consider turning your pet in at a local rescue agency. It’s a difficult decision, but it’s one made with the best interest of your furry friend in mind.
Giving up a beloved pet is a hard choice and shouldn’t be made quickly or without exploring alternatives. However, it’s not fair to ask your pet to suffer needlessly if a good home can be found. There aren’t many options when you can no longer afford your dog, but there are people who want to help. Trust in rescue organizations, knowing that they understand turning over your pet is the last thing you want to do.
