Prized pooches up for meals on wheels

Otago SPCA animal attendant Donna Hurring (23) with Labrador-boxer cross Jack (2), a dog up for...
Otago SPCA animal attendant Donna Hurring (23) with Labrador-boxer cross Jack (2), a dog up for adoption. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
Elderly and disabled pet owners struggling to feed their prized pooch or moggies may soon benefit from an SPCA pilot scheme - AniMeals on Wheels.

Based on a popular meals-for-animals scheme in San Diego, California, the programme helps elderly and disabled pet owners by delivering donated pet food to their dogs and cats.

The scheme could be trialled in Auckland by the end of the year and - if successful - throughout the rest of the country by the end of 2009, SPCA chief executive Robyn Kippenberger, of Auckland, told the Otago Daily Times.

"We have the potential to roll something like this out quite quickly. We have the volunteers and we have the donated food."

The San Diego scheme could easily be replicated in New Zealand, she said.

There was a growing need for such a scheme, with elderly pet owners often foregoing food so they could feed their pets, Ms Kippenberger said.

"Often these pets are their only companion and it is vital the owners don't feel any stress in looking after them."

Until the scheme is established, people could consider offering pet food for the dogs and cats of elderly neighbours.

"Elderly people may be reluctant to take food for themselves but they are more than likely to accept food for their pet," she said.

Otago SPCA senior inspector Steph Saunders said she supported the idea "because there are a lot of people struggling out there".

Caring for a dog could cost from $1500 to $2000 per year, and a cat from $800 to $1000, and for senior citizens on fixed incomes "something had to go", she said.

"Some people would give up their own food before they cut their pets' [food]."

Age Concern Otago executive officer Susan Davidson said any scheme that helped the elderly would be welcomed.

"It is proven that elderly people do very well when they have pets and this idea sounds very promising."

 

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