In 2023, more than 16,000 dogs were surrendered to Colorado animal shelters by their owners, an increase of 22% compared to pre-COVID (2019) and a 9% increase over 2022. We’re told there has been no sign of the numbers reversing the trend. Oftentimes, whether or not a dog owner keeps their pet in their home is a matter of resources, many of which may be unknown to owners needing help. National Canine is committed to helping keep dogs in their homes and out of the shelters. We are honored that our work was the subject of a local CBS news story in which we talk about resources available to pet owners that can make the difference between keeping your dog and surrendering them. See the story here.

TRENDS IN DOGS SURRENDERED BY OWNERS

 

WHY PEOPLE SURRENDER THEIR DOGS

We learned from research conducted by Best Friends, a pet animal advocacy group dedicated to reducing euthanasia rates in the U.S., that the top five reasons owners report for surrendering their dogs are:

	Housing	14.1%
	Non-Aggressive Behavior/Personality	10.6%
	Cannot Care for Animal	9.5%
	Too Many Animals	9.2%
	Caretaker or Family Health/Death	8.4%

RESOURCES FOR OWNERS

Many owners may not realize that there are a number of resources they can access to help keep their dogs in their homes. Each is discussed below and a list of resources in Colorado can be found here on our website Low-Cost Veterinary and Other Services.

Housing: Major animal shelters in Colorado work with pet owners to care for their animals while the owners work through housing issues such as securing permanent housing. The shelters will, free of charge, care for the pets of people who need help and ensure the safety, comfort, and health of their pets. As part of their programs to assist those with housing challenges, these shelters will also provide resources for temporary housing, assistance to pet owners in domestic violence situations, free pet food, and much more.

Non-Aggressive Behavior/Personality: Several Colorado animal rescue organizations offer behavior support at little or no cost to the pet owner. The major animal shelters also provide behavior support and National Canine is developing a group of trainers and behaviorists committed to keeping dogs in their homes by offering low-cost behavior support.

Cannot Care for Animal: Most often, the reasons for not being able to care for a pet are financial. Unexpected expenses arise and routine vet care can also become cost-prohibitive. Pet food and other supplies can also become a financial strain for pet owners. In Colorado, the major shelters will provide free pet food to anyone in need and there are pet pantries in multiple locations where pet owners can get food and supplies like leashes, harnesses, toys, beds, and more, all at no cost to the owner. There are also low-cost veterinary clinics around the state that will spay/neuter pets. Some also provide wellness checks at a lower cost.

Too Many Animals: Only the pet owner can prevent this from happening. There is no outside resource that can keep pet owners from bringing in more animals than they can care for.

Caretaker or Family Health/Death: While it is unavoidable and sometimes unpredictable, there is a simple way for pet owners to ensure their pets are cared for should they no longer be able to do so or upon their death. Whether it is formally included in a will, health directive, or just a conversation with a loved one, a pet owner should make plans for the care of their pets ahead of any health issues or their death. Ideally, a pet owner will name more than one pet caregiver so if the first one named cannot take in their pet there is a backup.

When we bring a dog into our lives, it’s a commitment to care for them for their life. Our circumstances change, unexpected events happen and even expected events happen…it is our responsibility to exhaust all options before even considering rehoming or surrendering the pets that count on us completely. Every pet owner must be prepared to honor the promise they make to their pets when they bring them home. Without exception.