Why do so many people surrender pets? Why are shelters and rescues across the country busting at the seams with unwanted companion animals?
Pet lovers might want to scream at the unfairness of it. Instead, it requires some empathy to gain a “big picture” understanding of why someone would consider taking a pet to a shelter or rescue. That understanding could help resolve a problem and prevent that outcome.
5 Reasons Why People Surrender Pets to Shelters and Rescues
Many reasons can lead an owner to give up their pet. In economic instability, a pet can be expensive to maintain, and the owner may not be able to provide for it. Other reasons include age, an allergy, and family issues. But whatever the reason, you can find solutions to keep your pet in good hands.
1 – The owner dies, and the survivors surrender the pet
The incredibly large Baby Boomer generation is progressing in age. Unfortunately, death often creates pet homelessness. The animal shelters are full of elderly animals, which often have little chance of adoption. Those living alone often don’t have family members willing to care for their pets.
Before a pet owner passes away, they must make sure they have plans for their pet’s care. If you are an older adult with pets, have a challenging conversation with your children and grandchildren. Ask them if they would be willing to take responsibility for your companion animal.
If nobody understands your wishes after you pass, the pet’s destiny will fall into the hands of an executor who could place it in an animal shelter.
2 – A family member is allergic
If you or a family member has become allergic to pets, you need to find out what is causing the reaction so you can find a way to alleviate the symptoms.
NIH documentation explains how pet allergies are typically triggered by animal dander and urine exposure. The allergens are found in animal fur and saliva and can stick to your skin, clothing, and walls. The severity of your reaction will depend on the type of pet and the allergens in your home.
You can consult an allergist who can perform allergy testing. Your doctor can prescribe allergy medication to treat the symptoms. An allergy test could also identify other allergies that might cause your misery. For instance, you may think you are allergic to dog dander but are sensitive to tree pollen. The only accurate diagnosis must be obtained from your allergist.
Many people with allergies can manage them and still reap the many benefits of pet ownership. If your allergy is so severe that this is not the case, please consider a private adoption or rehoming instead of sending it to the shelter.
3 – The pet is “too old”
Sadly, a pet’s advanced age is the nation’s primary reason for owners surrendering pets to animal shelters.
As pets become older, they experience many changes not so different than aging humans. They might become confused, forgetful of their manners, incontinent, or need medication.
Not only is this situation overwhelming for the owner, but the pet also suffers. An aging pet knows he or she should “do her business” in the right place. So when they have an accident and soil your carpet, they may feel ashamed by their behavior.
The owner might also find the escalating medical costs needed to care for an older pet to be too much…which brings us to #4.
4 – Owners surrender if they can no longer afford the pet
If you can’t afford your pet’s care, there are many options for finding another home for your animal.
An ASPCA study showed how some owners find the medical costs associated with an aging pet too burdensome. As a result, they take their pet to a shelter.
One interesting note from the ASPCA study. Not all owners struggling to afford an ailing cat or dog take them to shelters. Some re-home their companion animals with family or friends–what a kind solution!
5 – Pet behavioral issues
Many people give up their pets to an animal shelter for several reasons, including behavioral and social problems. Other owners may not have fully considered the responsibilities of owning a pet, such as the need to train them properly.
In addition, many people simply don’t have the time to care for a pet, which can lead to behavioral and social problems.
Contrary to what some might have you believe, pet behavioral issues do not arise because of the pet. Rather, they result from owners who do not know how to use positive reinforcement to train their pets.
Furthermore, some “pet behavior issues,” such as nipping a child, come from the child’s behavior. When children rough play with companion animals, particularly dogs, the pet views the little one as a playmate or litter mate, not a human commanding their respect.
This can lead to playful biting, which, nevertheless, injures the child. In other words, it’s often a big misunderstanding with dire consequences for the animal.
Final Thoughts: Give Careful Consideration Before a Pet Surrender
Pets are fantastic. They are great companions. However, you should weigh all your options before you decide to welcome one into your home. Do you have the time for bonding and training? What about the financial means to support an older pet? Who will care for your pet if you are unable to do so?
If you are past that point, please ask yourself if you can find any additional resources or solutions before you surrender your companion animal to a shelter or rescue group.
Answering these questions before you make any life-altering decisions about your companion animal can help your furry friend live a long, happy, and healthy life.
