With the way the economy has been playing out over the last several weeks, people are starting to think about making adjustments to their budgets to be able to ride out the failing economic storm. Rising food costs, fluctuating gas prices, increasing health care costs and daunting winter heating bills are dictating the way we think about spending our hard earned money.

It is because of this increase in nearly every facet of our budgets that shelters across the nation are seeing a rise in the number of animals surrendered to them because people cannot afford to provide for their pets. And though the intention of this article is to present resources to help care for pets, I will take this opportunity to remind people of the great work shelters and rescues do for homeless animals and to ask those who can afford it to remember their local shelters when making charitable contributions.

Though monetary donations are always appreciated (and needed), food, cat litter, blankets, toys, and cleaning supplies are all very beneficial in making life easier on shelter animals. Volunteering your time, even just a few hours a month, is also a great way to show support to organizations that are seeing an influx in animals arriving on their doorsteps.

So how can we afford to care for our pets when our salaries seem to remain the same, but the cost of living continues to rise? It is not a fix all, but there are a few options available to take some of the financial burden off pet lovers.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds, Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, in conjunction with Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital will be offering a drive up rabies clinic. Rabies shots are $6 for cats and dogs and distemper shots are also being offered at $15 for dogs and $10 for cats.

Harvest Hills also runs an affordable spay and neuter clinic for cats. This service is provided to low-income families who receive some type of financial assistance (food stamps, Medicaid, heating assistance, etc.) and/or who fall within low-income parameters. Spay and neuter costs range between $20 and $40. Call the shelter at 935-4358 to learn more, to determine if you qualify for this program and to schedule an appointment if you do.

Care Credit may be an option for people who are faced with high veterinary bills. Check with your veterinarian’s office to see if it accepts Care Credit, which is a no-interest service and then visit www.carecredit.com/vetmed to apply. Like your family members, your pets should not have to wait for proper health care.

Lastly, the Internet is a valuable resource for options to provide care for your pets. It may be worth your while to spend a few hours online to learn about proper care for sick pets, ways to keep your pets healthy (and out of the vet’s office), and discounts on pet food, etc. But keep in mind, before you resort to diagnosing and administering healthcare to your pets, you should always check with your veterinarian first.

Deb Cloutier is the founder of Western Maine Pet Project and an animal welfare advocate.