Rising Costs Strain Pet Ownership in Chicago

Increasing consumer costs are impacting not only families but also their beloved pets. The rising expenses associated with pet care – including food, veterinary bills, and other necessities – are forcing more owners to make the difficult decision to surrender their animals.

Surrender Rates on the Rise

Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) reported a significant increase in animal intake in 2025, taking in 17,788 animals. This represents a 16.6% rise compared to the previous year. A substantial portion of these intakes, 5,734 animals, were directly surrendered by their owners due to financial hardship.

Cost of Pet Care Increases

According to the pet sitting and dog walking app Rover, the overall cost of caring for pets has increased by 10% over the past year. This increase is creating a significant burden for many pet owners in the Chicago area.

Available Resources for Pet Owners

Savannah Hinde-Seeley, assistant director of community outreach at PAWS Chicago, highlighted the challenges owners face and the available support systems. Here’s a breakdown of resources:

Low-Cost Pet Medical Services

  • One Tail at a Time: Click here for a list of low-cost veterinary care
  • A.D.O.P.T. Naperville Spay/Neuter Services: 355-2299
  • Anderson Humane: 697-2880
  • Animal Care League Spay/Neuter Services: 848-8155
  • Anti-Cruelty Society: 644-8338 ext.347 (Some services temporarily suspended)
  • DuPage County Animal Services: 407-2800 (Spay and Neuter Voucher available for eligible residents)
  • Fox Valley Animal Welfare League: 800-2254 (Low-cost clinic services for eligible Illinois residents)
  • PAWS Chicago Spay/Neuter Services: 521-7729
  • Spay Illinois: 961-8000 (Low-cost vaccinations and discounts for low-income families)

Pet Food Pantries

  • Care for Real Pet Pantry: 769-6182 (Eligibility required)
  • C.A.R.E. Pet Food Pantry: Application form available here (Skokie area)
  • Friendship Pet Food Pantry: 907-6388 (Eligibility required)
  • Irving Park Community Food Pantry Pet Food Corner: 283-6296 (Eligibility required)
  • Red Door Animal Shelter Café Program: 764-2242 (Proof of low-income status required)
  • Animal Care League Pets & People Support Program: 848-8155 (Application form available)
  • Bruno's Pro-Bone-O Pet Pantry: 926-3610 (Application at Hanover Township Food Pantry)
  • DuPage Senior Citizens Council Pet Care and Food Assistance: 620-0804 (For seniors)
  • Wet Nose Pet Food Pantry: 480-2538 (Downloadable applications available)

Temporary Pet Boarding for Families in Crisis

  • A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter Blessed Bonds Program: 355-2299 (Temporary foster care)
  • Naperville Area Humane Society: 420-8989 x1005 (Safe Pet Program)
  • PAWS Chicago COVID-19 Crisis Foster Care: 475-4242
  • Humane Indiana Crisis Foster Care: Application form available here

Grants for Pet Medical Care

  • Pet Assistance, Inc.: Grants for emergency vet care
  • Banfield Foundation: Access to a network of nonprofits for medical care assistance
  • The Mosby Foundation: Financial aid for emergency vet care for dogs

More Resources