ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — As the price of everything from gas to groceries goes up, families are being forced to make tough sacrifices, and some are handing their pets over to animal shelters.


What You Need To Know

  • The SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina is at capacity

  • Owner surrenders are up because of financial strain and inflation

  • Dog training and fostering are alternatives to surrender

“It's been a little hectic lately getting surrenders through animal control. People are constantly calling in to set up owner surrender with us. And of course the intake of strays with July 4,” said Judy Anthony from the SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina.  

The organization said in a recent social media post that it was in desperate need of fosters because the shelter was full.

By the next day, the number of animals it had taken in reached 92.

Cassie Burg, owner of Colonial Dog Care LLC in Elizabeth City, says she's seen more dogs with behavioral issues and inexperienced owners since the pandemic.

“If they get them as puppies, they didn't do much with them as puppies because they were home, so they end up being really anxious, nervous, not very social,” she said. 

She says people often underestimate the time, money and attention it takes to care for a pet.

She suggests exhausting all options, including professional training and fostering, before returning a pet to a shelter.

“A dog that we have that was in that situation, she was returned over five times to a shelter, but her owners this time seek the proper help and we've worked with her,” Burg said.

She says dogs need stability to be happy and healthy, and watching people connect with their dogs is one of the best parts of training.

“It's very rewarding when the owner and dog click in that special way, and they finally understand each other, and the owner can get their dog to behave the way they want them to,” Burg said.

For families with financial challenges, the SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina says they have pet food pantry and offer grant assistance for veterinary care.

For more information about the organization, go here.