Source: WFAE 90.7
Animal shelters across the United States are struggling with overcrowding as rising pet care costs make it harder for owners to keep or rehome their animals. Mecklenburg County’s Animal Care and Control shelter recently stopped accepting owner surrenders to help manage overcrowding, reflecting a broader national trend. Shelters report that dogs are staying longer before adoption, while medium and large dogs are finding homes less often.
Financial pressures are a major factor. According to a 2025 MetLife Pet Poverty Report, more than one in five pet owners carries over $2,000 in pet related debt. Meanwhile, the Bank of America Institute found that since 2019, Veterinary care and grooming costs have increased 42%, while pet food and treats have risen 22%. Advances in Veterinary medicine have improved diagnostics, treatments, and outcomes, but they have also contributed to higher costs that frequently outpace inflation. The result is growing financial strain for pet owners, increasing pressure on shelters, and difficult decisions about pet care and ownership.