The ASPCA® estimates that between 500,000 and 1 million cats and dogs in the United States are at risk of becoming homeless because of the continuing economic downturn. “According to national financial estimates, approximately one in 171 homes in the United States is in danger of foreclosure due to the subprime mortgage crisis,” said Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, ASPCA executive vice president.
If you consider that approximately 63 percent of U.S. households have at least one pet, this means hundreds of thousands of pets are in danger of being abandoned or relinquished to animal shelters across the country.
Since about 5 million animals enter shelters each year, the economy will surely add to these staggering numbers. If possible, adopt a homeless cat or dog, donate used blankets, towels or even tennis balls to your local animal shelter or rescue group. Volunteer to foster adoptable animals in your home until they are ready to go to their forever homes. If you have a friend in a tough financial situation, offer to help take care of a pet until conditions change.
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