More pets surrendered because owners can't afford vet care, animal rescue groups say

Calgary animal rescue organizations say they are seeing more pets surrendered due to rising vet care costs.

The Calgary Humane Society receives anywhere between 200 to 300 animals per years.

Parachutes for Pets received 27 calls in a day from pet owners about vet care alone.

The top reasons for surrender in 2024 was access to care, access to housing and having too many animals.

Calgary shelters and clinics are seeing an uptick in the challenges of running independent practices.

The cost of providing veterinary care to animals has gone up by 30 per cent for the most common requests (what are the common requests) At Parachutes for Pets , the care for surrendered animals usually means treating something “larger and more imminent,” says Parachute for Pets .

Report: Canadians spent $9.3 billion on veterinary bills and services for pets, up from $4 billion in 2019 .

The Canadian Animal Task Force (CATF) is readying the city’s first -ever non-profit animal hospital, with the goal of launching in early March .

The hospital offers veterinary services to Calgarians with incomes below the Low Income Cut Off (LICO) table.