Paws for Hope Raises Alarm as Cost of Living Crisis Hits Pet Families Hard
Requests for Support Double in Just Two Months, Urging Immediate Community and Government Action 

Vancouver, BC – June 3, 2025 – Paws for Hope Animal Foundation is sounding the alarm as the rising cost of living continues to take a heavy toll—not just on people, but on their pets. The Foundation has seen a 100% increase in requests for support over the past two months, as more families struggle to provide basic care for their companion animals.

“We are witnessing a crisis unfold,” said Kathy Powelson, Executive Director of Paws for Hope. “Families who once managed are now facing impossible choices such as whether to pay rent or afford veterinary care. The emotional and financial burden is becoming unbearable.”

The surge in demand for support includes pet food, emergency veterinary assistance, and temporary foster care. Many of the individuals reaching out are experiencing housing instability, job loss, or inflationary pressures that have pushed essential pet care beyond their means.

Key Statistics:

• • Urgent requests for support have doubled since March 2025.
• • Over 75% of families in Canada have at least one pet
• • Fifty percent of these families do not have an ongoing relationship with a veterinarian
• • As a result of these increased costs, fewer families are bringing animals into their homes, creating a potential crisis for animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Paws for Hope is calling for increased funding, policy changes, and community partnerships to support vulnerable pet families. The Foundation is also urging the public to consider donations, fostering, or volunteering to help keep families and their pets together.

“Pets are family,” Powelson emphasized. “We need to start treating their well-being as an integral part of social support systems. No one should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their dog or cat.”  Recent cases include Doug, a senior on fixed income who nearly lost his dog Maggie when dental pain required expensive treatment. Paws for Hope’s intervention kept them together. have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their dog or cat.”

For more information, to donate, or to get involved, visit www.pawsforhope.org.

Media Contact:

Kathy Powelson
604-396-9297
[email protected]