💵 We all love to spoil our pets, but rising tariffs may force us to reconsider our spending. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, leading to higher prices for pet food, treats, toys, and veterinary bills.

When tariffs increase, companies might import fewer goods or raise prices to cover costs. Unfortunately, once prices rise, they rarely fall back down.

📈 Similar price surges occurred during the early COVID-19 pandemic and with grocery prices from inflation in 2022 and 2023. As a result, we may see a similar trend in rising pet-care costs.

🦴 According to an article from Kinship @kinshippets, pet food prices are expected to rise, but not as quickly as those of toys and accessories. The U.S. exports more pet food than it imports, and high tariffs on Chinese goods may increase costs. Supply-chain issues affect producers, as raw materials often come from Mexico and China.

Consumers should be aware of "shrinkflation" (less product for the same price) and "skimpflation" (lower-quality ingredients). Costs for pet toys, primarily imported from China, are rising, and spending on non-essentials like these may decline in a shaky economy, potentially leading to shortages.

🩺 While veterinary costs may not increase right away, higher input costs for medical supplies could eventually impact service prices. Tariff durations are uncertain, and price hikes might continue while they are in effect. To save money, consider cutting non-essentials, delaying large purchases, and supporting local pet stores. Tracking spending can help manage budgets without sacrificing enjoyment.

#CAREequity #CARENews …

Izzy is a healthy and happy pup because her mom acted fast, and because you helped cover the cost.

🚩 When Izzy became suddenly lethargic, Maria couldn’t ignore the warning signs.

An emergency ultrasound from the Los Angeles Veterinary Center @la.veterinary.center revealed pyometra, and emergency surgery was needed right away. Maria came up with half the bill, and Direct CARE stepped in to handle the rest.

💙 Your donations can help another Izzy in need for only $5/month.
🔗 Donation link in bio

#DirectCARE #CAREequity …

⛈️ Extreme weather events are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change. Hurricane Helene caused over 200 deaths, making it the deadliest hurricane in the U.S. since Katrina, and one of the costliest storms in history. Hurricane Milton is also among Florida`s worst in over a century.

An article published in KFF @kff_org discussed how natural disasters impact health, particularly for low-income communities and communities of color that face existing disparities in risk exposure, preparedness, and recovery resources.

🌆 Historical segregation has led to poor infrastructure, making many homes in redlined neighborhoods more flood-prone, while appealing coastal areas face increased flooding threats. Rural communities also grapple with isolation, financial challenges, and limited healthcare access during disasters.

The Southeastern U.S. faces severe tropical storms due to climate change and high poverty rates, which hinder recovery efforts. Many states haven`t expanded Medicaid, limiting healthcare access for low-income residents. Black communities in the region are disproportionately affected, being twice as likely to face hurricanes and expected to experience significantly more damage by 2050.

📊 Research shows that they can lead to increased mortality, with Black individuals experiencing higher excess deaths than White individuals. Major storms also raise the risk of illness and injury, disrupt infrastructure, and negatively impact the economy.

The federal government was promoting climate change adaptation and community resilience through initiatives like Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, which enhances infrastructure before disasters. FEMA`s National Risk Index identifies areas vulnerable to natural hazards, directing funding to these communities. Research highlights the importance of collaboration across all government levels to address climate change impacts.

#CAREequity #CARENews …

Whenever people hear the word “ghetto,” they often picture neglect, but what they’re really seeing is design.

Decades of laws, policies, and biases designed to push vulnerable communities into underfunded neighborhoods, far away from the resources they need the most.

Before the U.S. made “ghettos,” Nazi Germany used the same logic of separation and control to dehumanize Jewish people.

The term has evolved, but the system that created it hasn’t disappeared — it’s just been renamed.

#CAREequity …