Why Pet Abandonment is Spiking in Illinois and What We Can Do to Help

Many animal shelters across Illinois are operating in "crisis" mode right now and it's not due to the amount of stray animals coming in, but from the lines of people waiting to surrender pets.

Pet Problems in Illinois

As a hardcore animal lover, it completely breaks my heart to see animal shelters across Illinois reaching dangerous capacity numbers and constantly pleading for pet adopters.

To me, owning pets is one of life's greatest joys, but I also understand having pets is expensive, and it can also be a lot of work. Pets should be a lifelong commitment, but too many people no longer see them that way.

I understand that pets run away and situations change often in life, but lines of people waiting to surrender their pets at Illinois animal shelters? That is something my heart just can't comprehend.

Illinois Animal Shelter in 'Crisis Mode'

According to a recent WGN article about Chicago Animal Care and Control;

Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is in “crisis mode” after seeing their daily in-take line grow over the course of the year. Sadly, pets given up by their owners are more likely to die than strays.

Can you please read that last line again? That's the part that makes me want to cry.

Euthanizing unwanted animals is not something many animal shelters in Illinois do these days, but when times get desperate enough...bad things can happen.

This is the reality for so many Illinois animal shelters, but it doesn't have to be...

If you are truly struggling to take care of your pet, help is available. Many communities have pet food available at food banks, and local animal shelters can direct you to other resources that can help your pet stay where they belong...at home, with you.