People are abandoning unwanted animal litters as the increased cost of living pushes desexing and vet treatment out of reach.

SPCA's scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan says it can be a struggle just to buy pet food, especially for people on lower incomes.

The cost of living for the average household increased by 7.7% in the 12 months to March, according to figures released by Stats NZ.

Higher prices for interest payments, groceries, rent, and fruit and vegetables were the main contributors to that increase.

Vaughan says the cost of living, combined with the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns, has 'certainly” impacted desexing numbers.

'This has resulted in many unwanted litters and, increasingly across the country, we are seeing animals dumped or abandoned.”

SPCA desexed cats and dogs before adoption, but Vaughn says some people didn't because of the cost.

Spaying a cat usually costs between $120 and $175. Dogs are more expensive at between $230 and $525 (depending on age and gender), according to vetcall.co.nz

Vaughan said people struggling might try to privately re-home, surrender them to animal rescues or abandon them.

'While we don't have set statistics on numbers of animals surrendered or abandoned, anecdotally we know our teams - both at centres and in the inspectorate - are receiving more calls for assistance in relation to the cost of caring for an animal.

'We also hear more stories of puppies or kittens abandoned in boxes or left to fend for themselves, and this is incredibly sad.

'Rescues and SPCA Centres alike are at capacity.

'Many of the reasons for relinquishment are short-term challenges that may be resolvable with supportive services”

She says New Zealanders considered pets as part of the family, but animals thrive in a home environment – not a shelter.

The charity tries to work with pet owners by offering support and advice for people struggling.

However, Vaughan says its centres might be able to offer food, flea treatment and potentially assistance with desexing.

They also encourage pet owners who feel like they could no longer look after their pet to speak with friends and family, who might be able to help.

Vaughan says when SPCA adopts an animal out, staff are always clear about the potential costs – because pets are a lifetime commitment.

Its priority, though, is to care for the sick, vulnerable and injured animals that came into its care as well as the ones rescued by its inspectors.

'And it is essential that there is space in our centres for these animals to come in.”

-Rachel Moore/Stuff.