Many people share a very special bond with their pets. Every day in communities across the U.S. this bond is broken, resulting in millions of pets being surrendered to shelters each year. An estimated four million cats are euthanized in animal shelters each year; dog euthanasias are estimated to equal half the number of cats.

A recent study conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) revealed possible reasons why pets end up in shelters. Researchers went into 12 selected animal shelters in the U.S. and found that the top seven reasons for relinquishment for both dogs and cats are the same:

1. Moving.

2. Landlord not allowing pet.

3. Too many animals in household.

4. Cost of pet maintenance.

5. Owner having personal problems.

6. Inadequate facilities.

7. No homes available for litter mates.

These similarities suggest that there may be similar ways to address relinquishment in dogs and cats.

Specially trained researchers completed confidential individual interviews with pet owners who were relinquishing their dogs or cats to animals shelters. Age, annual veterinary visits, medical problems, and owner’s expectations are other major factors that contributed to the decision of relinquishment. Researchers also noticed that owners represented a broad range of age, ethnicity, education, and income level, indicating continued efforts will need to reach wide and far into communities across the country.

In addition to the reasons for relinquishment the study collected data on the pets being relinquished:

• The majority of relinquished dogs (47.7%) and cats (40.3%) were between five months and three years of age.

• The majority of relinquished dogs (37.1%) and cats (30.2%) had been owned from seven months to one year.

• Approximately half of the relinquished dogs (42.8%) and cats (50.8%) were not altered.

• Many of the relinquished dogs (33%) and cats (46.9%) had not been to a veterinarian.

• Dogs (31.4%) and cats (33.2%) acquired from friends were relinquished in higher numbers than from any other source.

• Close to equal numbers of male and female dogs and cats were relinquished.

• Most dogs (96%) had not received any obedience training.

Many researchers conclude that the main reason people relinquish pets to animal shelters is because they lack the knowledge needed to be a responsible pet owner. Veterinarians, dog clubs, and other animal welfare groups could potentially modify relinquishment or pets through increased educational outreach efforts.  Community intervention programs could be designed to identify these owners and bring them into the network of formal training and preventive veterinary care. Education in the health care of pets; in how to deal with behavioral problems in pets; and in what to expect of a new pet may be the key to reducing the number of animals abandoned and turned into shelters.

References: 1. "The Nationally Pet Health & Care Network wants to put all animal shelters out of business!!" National Pet Health Care Network, 1998. 2. "Why Do Pets End Up In Shelters?" National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, 1998.