High inflation has brought about staggering increases in the general cost of living – rent, utilities, food, clothing – all going up, up, up. And along with that, the costs associated with owning a pet.

A recent survey conducted by Vetrinarians.org found that 24% of respondents have considered rehoming or surrendering their pet to a shelter or rescue in the last 12 months due to increased costs caused by inflation. The study results also showed that with these increased prices pet owners have had to forego or delay veterinary procedures such as dental procedures, x-ray imaging and spaying/neutering for their animals.

Two Logan County residents are determined to keep animals with their families. Amanda Castile and Karen Kirsch are the founders of a newly formed charity called Spayed and Aid of Kentucky. The group is an IRS 501(c)3 charitable organization.

The group offers two main programs. “Spayed and Aid aims to help owners keep their animals by providing financial assistance with spay/neuter surgeries and temporarily assisting with food through a pet food pantry,” said Castile.

“People often have good intentions, but life happens. Jobs are lost, housing situations arise and prices go up. With the current economy, it’s unlikely to get any better,” said Kirsch.

“Every single day we see posts on social media about people giving up their pets because of the cost to keep them. Maybe our new organization can help slow that trend,” Castile noted.

If you are interested in helping with this cause, reach out to Castile and Kirsch at [email protected]. More information about the organization is available on the
group’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/spayedandaidky and website: spayedandaid.org/.