Animal shelters across the country and here in Chicago are dealing with a serious situation right now, overcrowding. Too many animals coming in, too few moving to forever homes.Chicago Animal Care and Control is on track to exceed its highest intake total in the last five years. And in DuPage County, the animal shelter in Wheaton has reached its maximum capacity multiple times, so far this year. In the past, that typically only happened once a year.
Winnie said the animals they're caring for are split roughly 50/50 between strays and owner surrenders. "People are really citing economic reasons for why they do need to surrender a pet when they come to the shelter," Winnie said. In addition to having to move where they are not able to take the pet with them."Cappello said the cost of living has been rising and many pet owners are struggling to make ends meet.
"Which can make it difficult to afford the cost of food, vet care and different pet expenses," Capello said. If you're an owner thinking you might have to surrender your pet, you can email Chicago Animal Care and Control at:"If you need any help that keeps your pet in your home, we can't state it enough, pets are family members," Cappello said. "If there's anything we can do to keep your pets within your families who love them, we will."