Michelle Robertson says feeding pets is often a financial stress on Canberra’s households that the RSPCA wants to help alleviate. Photo: Travis Radford.
RSPCA ACT says it’s been hearing anecdotal reports of pets being surrendered or owners skipping meals because they can’t afford pet food.
CEO Michelle Robertson said it was an increasingly common issue facing the shelter since the COVID-19 pandemic and as the cost-of-living crisis bit.
“Often people are proud and don’t want to admit when they struggle,” Ms Robertson said.
“Cost of living is definitely one of the top factors that contributes to people wanting to surrender their pets.”
According to a 2023 Foodbank report, 42 per cent of respondents reported buying cheaper (human) food to make sure their pets ate, while 24 per cent skipped meals.
More than a third (35 per cent) reported facing challenges feeding their pet enough food over the previous 12 months.
In an attempt to take some of the burden off households in need, the RSPCA launched its Pet Pantry earlier this year.
It’s now becoming a permanent initiative, following a three-month trial to measure demand.
Ms Robertson said those on lower incomes or financially stable owners hit with a large bill, could struggle to feed their much-loved pets.
“You could have an issue with your car or you could have a health issue. That puts pressure on the family budget.
“We want families to stay together – and that includes their pets – so they don’t have to come to the shelter for a surrender.”
Before the pantry’s official launch, Abby casts an eye over the donations made for her fellow pet friends. Photo: Phil Staley.
The Pet Pantry trial has already distributed nearly three tons of pet food to community groups around Canberra.
“They have quite established distribution channels,” Ms Robertson said.
“I guess that’s where you capture the people in real hardship.”
She urged anyone struggling to reach out to support services, such as the RSPCA, whose members could sit down with them for a non-judgemental chat.
“When we have conversations with them, we often find out they’re in a bind,” she said.
“People wanted to do the right thing, but they simply couldn’t afford at the time to feed their pets. We don’t want that scenario to occur.”
She said the RSPCA ACT had about 700 animals on its surrender list, representing seven times its capacity.
Royal Canin and the Animal Rescue Cooperative have been donating pet food during the trial. Community members can also hand in any unopened items of pet food.
Ms Robertson is optimistic the new Pet Pantry will provide an avenue to help Canberrans in need.
“This is a drop in the ocean. I wish I could say this fixes the issue, but it certainly has an impact,” she said.
“If we just continue to try and make a small difference every day, it adds up.”
The RSPCA ACT shelter is at 12 Kirkpatrick Street in Weston.
