To address the increasing numbers of animal surrenders to shelter and rescues, it’s important to understand the reasons behind those surrenders. It’s easy to assume that it’s because the owner no longer wants the animal or they are simply tired of them. While this may certainly be a factor for some surrenders, a review of available literature and statistics shows that the reasons are far more complex and varied.
The range of reasons why animals are surrendered to shelters can fall into two broad categories: financial and non-financial. Financial reasons are driven by economic conditions that may be beyond anyone’s control while non-financial reasons can sometimes be addressed with education and counseling by shelter staff at both the adoption and the surrender stages.
Financial Reasons
News reports across the country have identified financial pressures as the primary driver of the sharp increase in post-COVID animal shelter surrenders, resulting in overcrowding and an inability to transfer animals to other shelters. The following are examples of financial reasons for surrenders.
Housing - In Washington state and across the country, housing is a challenge. Not every apartment building allows for pets and even then, there might be pet fees and deposits that make the animals too expensive. Sudden needs to move and few affordable options can make it untenable to keep the animal.
Rising Costs of Pet Care - With the increasing corporatization of the veterinary industry, medical care is also more expensive and when animals become ill, owners may not have the financial ability to care for them.
General Financial Challenges - In the case of losing a job or an unexpected illness, the animal may no longer be affordable for the owner. Even when the animal is healthy, pet food, products, and services have all had price increases. Whenever the economy takes a downturn, animals can be vulnerable to surrender if they are no longer affordable.
Non-Financial Reasons
To a lesser extent, folks surrender animals for legitimate non-financial reasons such as those listed below. Good communication from shelter staff at both the adoption and surrender stages is critical in these situations. Sometimes these issues can be resolved through simple communication and education, allowing the animal to have the best possible chance to have a forever home.
Unrealistic expectations - They didn’t do their research and/or they weren’t well-educated by adoption officers about the realities of the animal’s needs. This can include healthcare, diet, and housing.
Incompatible lifestyle - They may realize that the animal needs far more of their time than they are able to give.
Allergies - The most well-known are allergies to cats, but many folks find out they are allergic to hay when they adopt rabbits and guinea pigs for whom hay is a staple.
Aggression - They may have animals that are aggressive or badly behaved. They don’t have the time, ability or patience to work with them.
Too many animals - This often occurs with cats and small animals, although it is always an issue when there is a lack of spay and neuter. We see this in hoarding situations too.
Death or Age-Related Issues - Elderly who may pass away or need to move for memory care sometimes leave no instructions for their animals, leaving them with family members who don’t want them. (Make plans for your animals in case something happens to you!)
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