Veterinary costs are skyrocketing for animals at the Kingston Humane Society.
Gord Hunter, executive director, reports that they are facing a crisis and the rising cost of veterinary care is affecting the community too. It’s the main reason so many more people are surrendering their animals. Most Ontario and Quebec shelters have seen a surrender increase of between 25-30%. Fortunately, the Kingston Humane Society’s surrender numbers have risen by less than 10% but many surrenders come with significant expenses. One of the reasons for these prices hikes is the corporizations of local vet clinics.
Gord cited examples, such as Tigger the adult tabby who was surrendered because the owner could no longer afford to care for him. He arrived significantly underweight, missing his outer ear flaps, with a mass on his hind limb, fractured teeth and a heart murmur. After four surgical procedures and 107 days in care, Tigger was ready to go to his forever home. The cost to KHS was $12,167. Or a group of boxer pups from a backyard breeder which arrived with cardiac disease and dental problems costing over $22K to treat.
The KHS is appealing to the public this summer for help covering the increasing costs brought about by inflation, tariffs and the significant escalation in veterinary costs. Gord explains how the public can help.
The goal is to help reduce those costs for community members by doing everything they can to address the health of the animals prior to adoption but it’s becoming more difficult to do that without additional support.
That’s why the KHS is asking the public to help give all these animals a second chance at a great life.
More information on this fundraising initiative can be found at kingstonhumanesociety.ca.
You can hear our complete conversation with Gord below.
Story by Brian Turner
