Columbus Humane sees more malnourished dogs as families struggle financially

As costs of living increase from gas prices to groceries and beyond, the difficulty in stretching a dollar is increasingly impacting pets, not just people.

Columbus Humane has seen an increase in emaciated and very skinny dogs since the beginning of the year, and it's unclear when it will abate, said Brittany Williams, the nonprofit animal protection organization's chief advancement officer.

"Oftentimes, when you see a skinny dog, you're also going to see a family that is struggling," Williams said.

The main cause of malnourished pets isn't people being purposefully cruel to their furry family members, Williams said. Instead, they're struggling to feed themselves and their animals due to poverty, she said.

From January to March 2026, there were 297 investigations into emaciated dogs at Columbus Humane, Williams said. During the same period in 2025, there were 246. That's an increase of 20%.

Not being able to feed your pet is not cruelty, Williams said, but it can cross over into cruelty if people don't accept help.

The increase in investigations into malnourished dogs doesn't mean a true trend for the year, Williams said, as the reasons vary and the numbers may fluctuate as the year goes on.

But, it's still concerning to Columbus Humane, officials there say.

How do emaciated dogs end up at Columbus Humane?

Some very skinny dogs are surrendered by owners who have worked hard to take care of their dogs for months but then realize they are no longer able, Williams said.

Others are identified by the shelter and get help to feed their animals and care for them medically via Columbus Humane's Essential Care Center, which offers free pet food, low-cost veterinary care and vaccine clinics. They also drop pet food off to people without transportation.

The nonprofit has a robust field and community program, Williams said, so they can help people before it gets to the point where their dog is so emaciated that their owners cannot keep them any longer.

"As much as they are love, they're also responsibility," she said. "When you're struggling, it's hard to take care of your pets, and sometimes it is the right decision to surrender your animal."

German shepherd mix recovering from lack of food

Willow Rose, a 9-month-old German shepherd mix, came in recently after a family surrendered her and her brother, Aspen, who has already been adopted. Willow Rose is available for adoption. Williams described her as shy at first, but said she warms up quickly. She's great with other dogs and loves people.

Her and Aspen's situation is an example of how Columbus Humane can be a resource to help pets, which also helps families, Williams said.

Willow Rose and Aspen were skinny but not emaciated, Williams said. If dogs come in extremely thin, Columbus Humane has to feed them in very small amounts or use an IV so their stomach doesn't flip, which can kill them, she said.

"Start reaching out for help at the beginning," Williams said. "When you know you're starting to struggle, when you know you're starting to sacrifice your own food to feed your pet."

Aspen, a German Shepherd mix, came into Columbus Humane in April as a surrender, as his family was struggling to feed him. He has since been adopted.

Columbus Humane isn't judgmental when people ask for help. The shelter gives away thousands of pounds of pet food to keep people with their pets, she said.

"Columbus Humane is not in the business of criminalizing poverty," she said. "We're trying very hard to help people in our community keep their pets and end the cycle of pets cycling into the shelter."

Williams encouraged people to check on their neighbor when they see a skinny dog or call Columbus Humane to go check on them and see if help is needed.

"The biggest way Columbus Humane helps people is reports from concerned citizens," Williams said. "If you see something, say something. It literally saves lives."

Susan Haglund, a Columbus Humane volunteer, works with Willow Rose, a 9-month-old German shepherd mix, who was brought into the shelter with her brother Aspen. Both were very skinny and underfed, as their owners were struggling to feed themselves. Willow Rose is available for adoption.

How to help pets, get help from Columbus Humane

Those in need of pet food can schedule appointments for pickup online at https://www.columbushumane.org/petfood. But, if the situation is dire, Williams encouraged pet owners to call the nonprofit at 614-602-6700.

Columbus Humane takes donates of open and unopened wet and dry cat and dog food, treats and litter. People can also donate money.

The shelter also offers free vaccine clinics for pets, and the schedule can be found at: https://www.columbushumane.org/lowcostvaccineclinics

Underserved Communities Reporter Danae King can be reached at [email protected] or on X at @DanaeKing.