Maintaining and enhancing the human–pet bond when family finances are stretched
Abstract
As press headlines focus on the inability of charities to help the increasing number of pet owners whose finances dictate that they relinquish their companions, could an increase in behavioural support from veterinary practices be one of the solutions?
As we settle into 2023, the trend for dogs and cats that were acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic adding to the already full-to-capacity burden of rehoming shelters, continues. In addition, the number of conversations with desperate clients who can no longer cope with the emotional and/or financial responsibility of caring for their family pet, yet are unable to find re-homing charities that can accommodate their cat or dog, increases.
As family desperation increases, it is inevitable that the bond between pet and owner diminishes, making owners increasingly sensitive to the minor inconveniences associated with pet ownership. Inconvenient behaviour by pets is the main factor leading to pet relinquishment and requests for euthanasia; unless some radical intervention occurs, the current financial climate will only increase this trend.
Such outcomes are tragedies for both owner and pet, but they are also financially significant for practice income. Yet the key to avoiding these catastrophes may lie in the hands of the veterinary profession.
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