Montreal pet owners face soaring costs for vet care, food, and grooming, leading to more pets abandoned and shelters overwhelmed in 2025.
Montrealers Face Growing Struggles to Afford Pet Care
For many Montreal residents, pets are more than just animals—they are cherished companions offering emotional support and unconditional love. Take Ania, a retiree, who describes her dog Rory Bader Good Boy (RBG) as her best friend. “He doesn’t judge or criticize; he just listens. He’s amazing,” she says. But the joy of pet ownership is increasingly overshadowed by rising expenses.
The High Price of Loving a Pet
Owning a pet today means managing a growing list of costs. Ania shares that monthly pet insurance, flea medication from spring to fall, and regular grooming sessions add up quickly. Rory’s grooming every five to six weeks is a luxury many can no longer afford. These expenses reflect a broader trend affecting pet owners citywide.
Montreal SPCA Reports Surge in Pet Surrenders
The Montreal SPCA has witnessed a significant increase in abandoned pets this year. Since January 2025, over 1,200 animals have been surrendered, compared to about 975 during the same period last year. The shelter attributes this rise to soaring veterinary fees, landlords enforcing no-pet policies, and a lack of pet care knowledge among owners.
Inflation and Supply Chain Woes Drive Up Pet Food Prices
Alexandra Yaksich, a veterinary technician, highlights that pet food costs have surged due to inflation and lingering COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. “There’s no government assistance to offset these expenses,” she notes, adding another layer of financial strain on pet owners.
Shelters and Cafés Offer Temporary Refuge for Abandoned Pets
Some abandoned animals find solace in places like Café Chato, which partners with Refuge Animex to care for cats awaiting adoption. Volunteer Brigitte Croteau explains that while fewer dogs are being rescued, cat overpopulation remains a serious issue due to insufficient sterilization. Many cats end up in poor health after reproducing unchecked outdoors.
The Importance of Responsible Pet Ownership
While shelters and rescue cafés provide critical support, Croteau stresses that the best solution lies with pet owners fully understanding the lifelong commitment involved. Responsible care includes financial preparedness and proactive measures like sterilization to prevent overpopulation.
Montreal’s pet lovers face tough choices as costs rise and resources dwindle. Awareness and community support are essential to ensure that pets continue to receive the love and care they deserve.
