This is an issue being raised in Western Washington.
Rising expenses, especially food costs, are not only affecting humans, but pets as well.
The Seattle Humane Society recently experienced a pet food crisis. People stood up and immediately solved the problem.
Crisis averted: Community steps up after Seattle Humanage faces emergency pet food shortage
Now, the Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County is asking for the public's help.
“Our goal is to keep people with their beloved pets, but that's becoming increasingly difficult,” Lauren Green, marketing coordinator for the Tacoma shelter, told MyNorthwest. “Last year we distributed 90,000 pounds of food, and this year so far the need has doubled.”
Green said part of the problem stems from housing. She explained that her rent and pet fees were going up.
“Some places have weight restrictions and some people can't afford to keep a pet,” Green says.
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Green said any donations are welcome, but dry pet food donations are at the top of the list. You can drop off food at the shelter at 2608 Center Street in Tacoma or donate on their website.
“Remember, a 40-pound bag of food will only last a month for large dogs,” she said. “So the need is constant.”
The problem is not limited to Nankai Bay.
“I'm not just speaking for us. I'm speaking for all the shelters in the state,” Katherine Johnson with the Mason County Humane Society told KIRO 7. She was turned away from the shelter because she surrendered the animals. ”
Many humane societies are largely or entirely funded by donations and face budget constraints similar to those of the families they serve.
“Certainly the economic situation we're in, the cost of living is going up,” Green said. “People are having to make difficult decisions between caring for themselves and caring for their pets.”
Posted by: KIRO7
Bill Kaczaraba is the content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his story here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter. here And email him here.