Nationally, only 20–30% of stray dogs entering shelters are ever reunited with their owners. In Colorado, that number has historically been higher than the national average, thanks to strong return-to-owner programs, community outreach, and access to free or low-cost microchipping. But even here, the trend is moving in the wrong direction. The return-to-owner rate is steadily declining, leading us to question why so many dogs go unclaimed – and whether they were ever truly “lost” in the first place.
In 2019, 74% of stray dogs entering Colorado shelters were reclaimed by their owners. By 2024, that number dropped to less than two-thirds.This growing gap has led us to ask: Are strays really lost? Or are they being quietly surrendered – without the paperwork?
We use the term “pseudo-surrender” to describe stray dogs that appear to have been intentionally allowed to wander or abandoned in hopes that someone else – usually a shelter – will take responsibility.
And when you look at the reasons dogs go unclaimed, the pattern becomes clear.
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Why Strays Go Unclaimed
Lack of Identification• No collar, tags, or microchip
• Outdated microchip contact info
Lack of Awareness• Owners don’t realize their dog is in a shelter
• They search the wrong facility—good Samaritans often take dogs to shelters near them, not near where the dog went missing
Owner Apathy or Avoidance• Some owners allow dogs to stray and never intend to reclaim them
• Others use “stray drop-off” to avoid the cost, paperwork, or guilt of formal surrender
Financial Barriers• Reclaim fees, fines, or proof of veterinary care can be out of reach for some families
Access and Transportation Issues• Some lack reliable transportation or can’t reach the shelter during open hours
Fear of Consequences• Owners may fear being cited for neglect, licensing violations, or lack of vaccinations
• Undocumented individuals may avoid contact with authorities entirely
Changed Life Circumstances• Eviction, illness, job loss, or death in the family can prevent reclaim
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While the reasons vary, the result is the same: Shelters are left to care for dogs that, in many cases, were never truly lost. These dogs sit through mandatory hold periods (five days in Colorado) while shelter space, staff, and resources are stretched thin.
When dogs are surrendered directly, shelters gain critical information – health history, behavior insights, even a name – which helps place the dog in a safe, appropriate home more quickly.
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The Takeaway:If you can no longer care for your dog, surrendering responsibly is the humane and honest path.
Use ID tags and microchips Keep contact info current Never assume someone else will “take care of it” If you must give up your dog, do so directly – don’t make them a stray