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Pet Costs Soar, Owners Surrender Beloved Animals
2 Apr
Summary
- More owners surrender pets due to rising care costs.
- Chicago animal intake rose by 16.6% last year.
- Pet care expenses have increased by 10% recently.
Rising expenses for pet care, including food and veterinary services, are forcing pet owners to surrender their animals. Chicago Animal Care and Control reported a significant increase in animal intake, receiving 17,788 animals in 2025, a 16.6% jump from the previous year. Of these, 5,734 were surrendered by their owners, indicating a direct impact of financial strain.
This trend reflects a broader issue of increased pet care costs. According to the pet sitting and dog walking app Rover, the overall cost to care for pets has risen by 10% in the last year. To address these challenges, organizations such as PAWS Chicago are providing outreach and resources to help owners manage their pets' needs.
