Pet owners are giving up their animals at an alarming rate.

This is just another example of how this recession is affecting the U.S. household. A family unit is more than just a legal guardian and 1.2 children, but also includes the family pet.

Breed rescues are seeing this on a daily basis, people coming in, forced to make a decision that they see is isn t in their control. Often they feel the pressure and anxiety of credit card debt looming over their heads. This is an ill-fated side-effect of our existing times.

Examples of families making the decision of settling their debt, or taking care of a valued member of the family have been popping up all over our country. From families turning in their dogs in order to pay for medical bills, to households putting down their pets so they can afford to keep from falling behind on credit card debt and keep their head above water. The economic collapse is making it all the more hard for some people to justify putting down as much as a thousand dollars annually or more on the upkeep and food for their cats.

The population escalation at animal shelters around America shows how the puny economy is also dwindling the pool of likley adopters.
The recoil effect has been overpopulation of shelters resulting in a faster rate of pets being euthanized, and many shelters turning away pet owners looking to give up dogs. Of the estimated 6 million to 8 million dogs and cats sent to animal shelters every year, over half are euthanized what is left is adopted.

Having to make the choice to leave behind a family pet can exact deep emotional scars on a household, more so on the children who don t know about economic strain. We cannot expect them to recognize the grim decision their parents have to make, leaving their cat to ensure after they pay their bills and debt they can be fed and clothed.

The only other option for many people other than surrendering their pet is to dig themselves out of debt. Debt settlement companies can help families lower their monthly house hold expenses eliminating their need to make the grim decision to allow their pet to be put to sleep. The more people understand that there are options; the less stress will be put on the local shelters trying to deal with this issue on a daily basis.

Another option is to find a person or family member able to temporarily adopt your dog. This would allow you to relax knowing they are well taken care of and loved. This would allow you to take time and create a debt relief plan putting them in a position to once again make their companion a part of the household again.

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