OMAHA, Neb. – Rising costs associated with veterinary care, pet food, and grooming have become a significant concern for families in Omaha. During the Nebraska Humane Society’s annual March of the Animals Walk and Dog Fest, many pet owners expressed their challenges with these escalating expenses.
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Carlos Delgado, a lifelong dog owner, noted that prices for dog food have become exorbitant. "A lot of them say they’re for dogs, but they create a product that’s so expensive that many families who want to own dogs really can’t afford them," Delgado said. He mentioned that the financial burden has led to him reducing the number of dogs in his house over the years. "Growing up, my family had plenty of dogs without issue. Now, we only have one or two," he added.
Delgado also highlighted the rising costs of veterinary care, sharing his experience of facing bills of $500 or more for emergency visits. A recent Bank of America report confirmed these trends, indicating that veterinary and grooming prices have increased by 42% since 2019, while pet food costs have risen by 22%.
Another Omaha resident, Sage Sumrall, mentioned that some friends are unable to adopt pets due to financial constraints or lack of adequate living space. Her own family has adopted creative strategies to manage costs, such as sourcing homemade dog treats from a relative's ranch.
"We buy whole cows at a time, and the liver and heart are things people don’t want. So, I make dog treats by dehydrating them. It’s been effective, and they really love them," Sumrall explained.
The Nebraska Humane Society is actively working to address this affordability issue. Steven Elonich from the organization stated, "We have supply pantries every third Friday at the shelter for items like leashes, collars, bowls, and toys to help reduce costs for pet owners. We also transport food to local human food pantries, aiming to assist families where they are."
Elonich emphasized the importance of keeping pets in their homes and mentioned that surrenders due to financial hardship are often a last resort. "We want to work with people to do the best we can to keep their pets in happy homes while also facilitating adoptions to new homes," he said.
Delgado reiterated his belief that everyone should have the opportunity to own a dog. The Nebraska Humane Society underscores that fundraising events are crucial for maintaining their assistance programs and helping keep pets out of shelters.