Economy takes its toll on our furry friends, too

The most recent addition to Cindy Jenkins' home came last year, when she learned about a cat that had been roaming the streets after its owners lost their home to foreclosure.

So Jenkins took in the cat, named her Joy and added her to the other two animals she has taken in for unforeseen circumstances. And with layoffs, job losses and budget tightening becoming an ongoing struggle nationwide, Jenkins is concerned for the welfare of the rest of the pet population.

As a board member of Chesapeake Cats and Dogs, Jenkins has seen the number of animals in its Stevensville shelter practically double in the past year. And it's also more difficult to find homes for those 45 cats and 10 dogs, especially when they're in poor health.

"When we have an animal (that needs a home), people will come in and say, 'Oh, that's a nice dog.' But when they find out it needs a $50 medicine every month, people don't want to pay that," Jenkins said. "It's really hard."

The faltering economy already has forced people to cut back on expenses, and some of those include man's best friend.

In Anne Arundel County, pet owners are passing on annual checkups and elective procedures for their animals, which could save them from more serious illnesses in the future. Yet they always find a way to fund the more expensive procedures, even if it means turning to payment plans, credit cards or pet health insurance.

Last year, consumers spent $43 billion on pet products, which includes supplies, veterinary care and other services. The American Pet Products Association predicts that total to increase to $45 billion this year.

Spending on veterinary care is expected to reach $12 billion this year and pet veterinary insurance, which currently is estimated at $271 million, is expected to reach $500 million by 2012.

"These numbers further demonstrate that people are more than willing to sacrifice on themselves before trimming back on their four-legged friends," APPA President Bob Vetere said in a statement. "People want to reward their pets in human terms and even in this economy are still demanding the highest quality products and services."

The Davidsonville Veterinary Clinic does not accept pet health insurance, but Dr. James Pelura III said he works with his clients when serious procedures are needed. In those cases, he has seen an increased use of credit card purchases. The clinic also offers payment plans.

"I'm not doing unnecessary surgeries, not wasting my clients' money," Pelura said. "Usually, when something is suggested, it really has to be done. Most of my clients are more than willing to do that."

At the South Arundel Veterinary Hospital in Edgewater, pet owners are increasingly moving away from annual wellness tests or blood work for their pets as a way to save on costs. More are turning to pet insurance to cover costs.

"We are seeing them scale back on services that aren't necessarily needed," said Crystal Bentley, an administrator. "We're doing a lot more payment plans (and owners) are still doing what they need to do for their pets. They're making payment arrangements more or cutting back on things."

Things are similar with Mobile Pet Vet, where Dr. Lisa Beagan travels to the homes of pet owners. For the past few months, Beagan has been trying to advise her clients that even though things like teeth cleaning and dental care can be put off for a while, it still is important for the long-term health of their pets.

"It's been kind of erratic. (Sometimes) I feel like we're not in a recession and the next week, I'm very aware that we are," Beagan said. "In some circumstances, I tell people it's better to pay something now to prevent a bigger illness than it would be if they don't do some of these things."

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