In a recent publication (Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science), a group of researchers set out to understand the reasons why some pets were given up for fostering and adoption. This was the first study where a significant number of cases had been documented and thereby gives an insight into the underlying reasons why pet parents can often no longer care for their pets. As part of the study, researchers spent one entire year in 12 different rescue centres across North America and looked at the many reasons why incoming pets were being presented by their owners.
Interestingly, the group discovered that the Top 7 reasons for relinquishment of both dogs and cats were the same!Such findings provide very valuable information, as this allows us to directly address the “predictable” reasons for pet relinquishment. If new pet parents are aware of these “risk factors” when acquiring a new pet, it will help them plan in advance so that such situations can be avoided if at all possible. Question: What do you think are the most common reasons why a pet may be given up for adoption? Answer: When the science and study results are broken down, the Top 7 reasons why dogs and cats were relinquished by their owners were;
- Moving
- Landlord does not allow a pet.
- Too many animals in a household.
- Cost of pet maintenance.
- Owner having personal problems.
- Inadequate facilities.
- No homes available for littermates.
What type of Pets were put up for pet adoption?
This study also looked at the characteristics of Pets which were put up for adoption and discovered that….- The majority of dogs surrendered (47.7%) and cats (40%) were aged between 5 months and 3 years.
- Most pets had been owned for less than 1 year.
- Half of pets were not neutered.
- 47% of cats and 33% of dogs had not been to a veterinary surgeon.
- Animals acquired from friends were relinquished more than from any other source!
- Equal numbers if male & female pets were relinquished
- 95% of dogs had not received any obedience training.
