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Leena Li

Mr. J. Armstrong

ENG3U1

5 December 2023

The Piling Abandoned Pets after Pandemic

Worldwide, over 33% of households own a pet and over a billion pets are sheltered in

these households (The Zebra). The concept of pets is a relatively modern development,

commonly traced back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. (Wills). There is a movie

entitled "Hachikō Monogatari" which still deeply imprinted in my mind after years. The film is

based on a true story, narrating the loyal tale of a dog named Hachiko to his owner. The most

heart-wrenching scene occurs after his owner, Professor Ueno, passes away. Hachiko continues

to wait at Shibuya station where the professor used to return home every day, although he never

reunited with his owner. This unfluctuating wait persisted for seven years. In human life, seven

years could span from birth to starting elementary school, progressing from middle school to

graduation, or from building a career to a family. However, for a dog, seven years is adequate

representing their entire lifespan. This illustrates that when many people love pets, they are fond

of the joy, companionship, and loyalty that pets are accompanied by. Nevertheless, in recent

years, incidents of pet abandonment have been occurring more frequently. With the end of the

pandemic, many pets adopted during that period are now being returned to shelters or abandoned

in the wild. Many have mentioned that it is due to the rising costs of pet care in Ontario after the

pandemic (Swadden). The cost of pet care includes both veterinary treatments and daily

requirements, such as pet food. Subsequently, following a decreasing number of pet adoptions

since 2021, sheltering society struggles with managing the overwhelming number of animals and
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escalating societal pressure. Therefore, how might we reduce the incidence of abandoned pets,

associated with the effect of the COVID-19 shutdown in Ontario?

Commencing in the year 2020, the explosion of COVID-19 resulted in a global pandemic

thereby causing the problem of rising pet expenditures and change in condition after returning

work. The problem has precipitated negative effects. And these major effects encompassed pets

lacking proper healthcare, being subject to abandonment, and undergoing euthanasia. In Ontario,

the number of veterinarians decreased, which led to the increased cost of medical and veterinary

care. The CEO of Redemption Paws stated, "Owners are often hit with unexpected vet bills, and

the cost leads them to surrender their pets." (Swadden). Due to the expensive medical costs,

certain owners became unwilling to afford their pets' through health examinations. Ultimately

resorting to either abandoning or euthanizing their pets as regards avoiding heightened

responsibility. In addition to the expensive costs associated with veterinary care, the price

fluctuations in pet food further challenge the owners. The cost of manufacturing pet food has

risen 30% since the start of the pandemic (Johnson), making pet food more expensive. Therefore,

many owners will consider whether to put the food on their table or give it to their pets, which

easily can cause abandonment. Lastly, many owners find themselves unable to dedicate time to

provide care for animals they adopted while working from home during the pandemic, especially

upon resuming on-site work responsibilities. Swadden mentioned, "Most dogs that [sent to the

animal shelter] … are COVID dogs." This further substantiates that owners relinquish their pets

due to their incapacity for pet management. The ones that become abandoned often suffer from

starvation, wild infection, and the potential of experiencing depression and other physical and

mental diseases. These negative effects have also impacted the individuals involved in the

abandonment of pets.
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The rising cost of pet care affects financially, mentally, and time-consumingly the key

stakeholders which encompass the owner, pets, rescuers, and the humane society. Owners play

an essential role in the process. The impacts felt by other stakeholders arise directly from the act

of owners forsaking their pets. Take, for instance, the case of Max, whose note indicates he will

turn four in June and was discovered at Primrose Avenue Parkette on Monday. While described

as "good with kids," "smart," and "a good boy," the note clarifies that the owner, struggling with

unemployment and housing loss, could no longer support Max’s care (Swadden). Does the

owner completely feel emotionless for a pet they have nurtured for such a long duration?

Therefore, the negative effect on owners in this scenario primarily manifests as an emotional

loss. The pets are the victims. More than 40,000 animals in Ontario are relinquished by their

owners each year (McAllister). After realizing being away from their owners, pets might suffer

from serious health issues resulting in death. These innocent animals are the ones rescuers are

trying to save and improve their situation. In Ontario, the search and rescue group Team Chelsea

spends many hours combing the 75 square-kilometre park, for pets that have been left out in the

wild (McAllister). It is a time-consuming job with the number of abandoned pets in the wild

increasing to nine cases in 2021 and to 18 cases last year in the Greater Toronto Area (CBC

News). The impact performed on rescuers is characterized by the rising workload and demand

for time. Pets will be sent to rescue organizations after being found. the Oakville Milton Humane

Society, a credible organization, played a pivotal role in financing the care of 131 animals,

including 38 dogs within their shelters (Swadden). With the increasing numbers of abandoned

pets requiring shelter and health care, the organizations are seriously under pressure and require

substantial physical and cognitive effort in the administration of abandoned pets. In conclusion,

the pets, the owner, and the rescuers are the main stakeholders of this issue, and they are
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negatively impacted by the overpopulated abandoned pets. After delving into the impacts of pet

abandonment attributable to rising costs on the stakeholders, addressing the factors contributing

to the rising costs of pet care in Ontario supports finding the solution to “How Might We

Statement”.

Why are people increasingly unwilling to take responsibility for their pets after rising

costs? There are two factors, an economic and a social factor, associated with the rising cost of

pet care. The economic factor that created the problem is the rising costs of food, associated with

three contributing factors. Firstly, the cost of transportation and food processing has risen during

the pandemic. The influence of COVID-19 led to the temporary closure of transportation

facilities due to the shortage of workers. For example, in April and May 2020, COVID-19

outbreaks, the price of beef went higher and higher in May (+13.7%), June (+21.6%), and July

(+14.7%) of 2020 (Fradella). Furthermore, inflation has greatly contributed to the rising costs.

Inflation in Canada hit a 40-year high in 2022 before closing the year at just under 7 percent

(Faryaar, and Leung). Toronto-based veterinarian Rebecca Greenstein stated, “I hear from pet

parents nearly every day that inflation has had an impact on their wallets.” (Park). Many foods

that cost as little as one penny have now become one dollar. Therefore, inflation is the long-term

cause of rising prices. Lastly, the cost of raw materials, such as meat, grains, and vegetables

augmented because of climate change, droughts, floods, and other climatic issues. In 2021, the

Prairie provinces experienced severe heatwave and drought conditions, contributing to higher

prices for meat … and grain products (Tamlin). The rising costs of the pandemic influenced the

problem of abandoning pets mainly due to the closure of food facilities, inflation, and the rising

cost of ingredients. After discussing the economic factors, the pandemic, which is thoroughly

intertwined with the problem of rising pet care costs, emerges as a social factor. The pandemic
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restrictions formed and the social factor which subdivided into the influence of returning to work

and the change of a pet’s routine. On March 30, 2020, Ontario ordered the closure of all

communal or shared, public, or private, outdoor recreational amenities (Freeman). With people

confined to their homes, there was a change in the routine as owners spent more indoor time with

their pets. Pets would gradually rely more on owners and become accustomed to the owners’

existence. Additionally, working from home inspired a desire for companionship, causing more

pets to be adopted. The statistics revealed that 93% of people mention that their “pandemic pet”

improved their mental and/or physical well-being (The Dog People). Nevertheless, after the

pandemic, the owners found themselves returning to their original routine of face-to-face work,

resulting in separation from their pets. The abrupt separations led to pet separation anxiety and

mental health issues. Many owners find it intolerable to their pet's behavioural changes. In severe

cases, this may lead to abandonment, to distance themselves from ensuing trouble. Therefore,

economic, and social factors show the pandemic restrictions encouraged people to adopt more

pets, then, increased the abandonment rate due to rising costs of pet care and separation anxiety

of pets.

There are two types of attempted solutions to the problem of preventing abandonment

from high healthcare costs after the pandemic. Veterinary Medical Association estimates

approximately $3,700 for a dog’s annual care (Counter). A solution is said according to Dr.

Matthew Richardson, a veterinarian owner in downtown Toronto, “Prepare a dedicated savings

account for paying unexpected expenses and consider the benefits of pet insurance [works

effectively].” (Jarvis). The effectiveness of this solution is alleviating the owner’s concerns about

the financial impact of unexpected incidents and ensuring prompt access to effective medical

interventions for pets. The ineffectiveness of the solution connects with the lack of dissemination
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in Canada. According to the Insurance Institute of Canada, “estimated that around 3% of

Canadian households with pets have some form of pet insurance coverage.” (PHI Direct). Due to

a deficiency in propagation, numerous owners show a limited understanding or effort in selecting

appropriate insurance for their pets. Hence, the second solution effectively addresses the issue of

dissemination. Many non-profit organizations help with the problem, such as the Farley

Foundation in Ontario. They assist pet owners who cannot afford medical care for their sick or

injured pets. One of the help receivers, Shelley, once said, "… my service dog, Tundra, who had

developed a urinary tract infection. … and paying for her unexpected medical treatment became

a huge burden. [Then] …I found out the Farley Foundation was going to help Tundra and me."

(the Farley Foundation). The effectiveness of building organizations is that they offer

opportunities for help to owners who struggle with their pets. However, ineffectiveness is

directed towards the organizational capacity to assist. Angus, who runs a Toronto-based dog and

cat rescue organization, said, "Fosters are down, donations are down, adoptions are down."

(Swadden). With the increasing numbers of pets being conveyed to shelters and the burgeoning

owners seeking aid, the organization faces a surge in operational pressures. Some find it

extremely challenging to carve out space for more abandoned pets, and as a result, many animals

already in these facilities are facing euthanasia due to their health or psychological issues.

Similarly, the public's level of concern regarding the issue of abandoned pets does not

proportionally equal the actual needs, leading to a lack of donations and an inability to assist

more owners in need. Overall, organizations have a higher degree of publicity and are easier to

reach help to, on the other hand, purchasing insurance gains greater stability. The two solutions

are both effective in their ways and are essential to be considered by the owners.
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How might we reduce the incidence of abandoned pets, associated with the effect of the

COVID-19 shutdown in Ontario? When pets are adopted, owners must shoulder the

responsibility. Even in the face of financial or time issues, solutions will always emerge. Owners

should be aware of their crucial role in the lives of their pets. However, changing everyone's

mindset is impossible, and abandoned pets will continue to persist in the future. This essay does

not aim to discuss a complete resolution of the problem but aims for reduction, improvements

and changing. Nowadays, under economic instability and inflation, citizens and governments

should pay increased attention to organizations dedicated to pets, ensuring more institutions

receive assistance to aid pet owners. For owners, a clear understanding of one's financial

situation after adoption is required. Lastly, for owners who already face financial difficulties,

instead of easily abandoning the pet, actively seeking assistance, and giving both oneself and the

pet a chance is the best decision. In summary, this issue deserves attention, the attention

emanating from society, government, and owners can aid, influence, and determine the health

and well-being of pets.

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Work Cited

CBC News. “‘It’s Never Ok’: Pets Being Abandoned in Rouge Park at Alarming Rate, Park Staff

Warn | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 20 Feb. 2023,

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/abandoned-pets-rouge-national-park-1.6753886.

Counter, Rosemary. “Pet Costs Spike alongside Inflation, with Dog and Cat Owners Digging

Deep.” The Globe and Mail, The Globe and Mail, 31 Mar. 2023,

www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/household-finances/article-pet-

costs-spike-alongside-inflation-with-dog-and-cat-owners-digging/#:~:text=Figures

%20from%20other%20sources%20were,%241%2C200%20was%20allotted%20to

%20food.

The Dog People. “The Pandemic Pet Adoption Boom: What We’ve Learned, One Year Later.”

The Dog People CA, www.rover.com/ca/blog/pandemic-pet-adoption-boom/.

the Farley Foundation. “Who We Help.” Who We Help, 4 Aug. 2023,

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Canada, Statistics Canada, 28 June 2023, www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-

0001/2023006/article/00005-eng.htm.

Fradella, Allyson. “Behind the Numbers: What’s Causing Growth in Food Prices.” Government

of Canada, Statistics Canada, Government of Canada, Statistics Canada, 16 Nov. 2022,

www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/62f0014m/62f0014m2022014-eng.htm.
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Freeman, Joshua. “Ontario Declared a State of Emergency over the COVID-19 Pandemic Three

Years Ago Today. Here Is a Look Back.” CP24, CP24, 17 Mar. 2023,

www.cp24.com/news/ontario-declared-a-state-of-emergency-over-the-covid-19-pandemic-

three-years-ago-today-here-is-a-look-back-1.6317281?cache=yes%231.811561.

Jarvis, Clay. “How to Cope with the High Cost of Pet Care.” NerdWallet Canada, 1 Nov. 2023,

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care#:~:text=Richardson%20also%20encourages%20prospective%20pet,the%20cost%2C

%E2%80%9D%20he%20says.

Johnson, Brooks. “Pet Food Prices Keep Rising, but Pet Parents Keep Buying.” Star Tribune,

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keep-buying-post-general-mills-blue-buffalo-dog-cat-kibble/600284567/#:~:text=The

%20cost%20to%20make%20pet,costs%20through%20higher%20shelf%20prices.

McAllister, Mark, and Michael Ranger. “Abandoned Pets Being Left in GTA Park Is a Growing

Problem: Parks Canada.” CityNews Toronto, 23 Jan. 2023,

toronto.citynews.ca/2023/01/23/pets-abandoned-rouge-park/#:~:text=She%20says

%20more%20than%2040%2C000,that%20point%2C%E2%80%9D%20Sotropa%20says.

Park, Carol Eugene. “Here’s How Much It Costs to Be a Canadian Pet Parent in 2023.”

Richmond News, 28 Mar. 2023, www.richmond-news.com/highlights/heres-how-much-it-

costs-to-be-a-canadian-pet-parent-in-2023-6770643#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20hear

%20from%20pet%20parents,veterinary%20medical%20advisor%20for%20Rover.
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Swadden, Patrick. “More People Are Surrendering Their Pets - and Local Animal Shelters Are

Pleading for Help | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 22 July 2023,

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pet-surrenders-oakville-humane-society-1.6914674.

Swadden, Patrick. “Toronto Humane Society Searching for Owner of Dog Abandoned with Note

Pleading for Help | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 10 Apr. 2023,

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/dog-abandoned-owner-difficult-circumstances-

1.6805606.

Tamlin, Emma. “Food Inflation during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Toronto Youth Food Policy

Council, 3 Mar. 2023, tyfpc.ca/communitymeetings/food-inflation-during-the-covid-19-

pandemic/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20the%20Prairie%20provinces,animal%20feed

%20making%20livestock%20difficult.

PHI Direct. “What Percentage of Canadians Have Pet Insurance?” PHI Direct, 22 Sept. 2023,

www.phidirect.com/blog/what-percentage-of-canadians-have-pet-insurance#:~:text=It

%20is%20estimated%20that%20around,the%20Insurance%20Institute%20of%20Canada.

Wills, Matthew. “The Invention of Pets - JSTOR DAILY.” The Invention of Pets, JSTOR, 5 Jan.

2017, daily.jstor.org/the-invention-of-pets/.

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2023, www.thezebra.com/resources/research/pet-ownership-statistics/.
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