Characterizing unsuccessful animal adoptions: age and breed predict the likelihood of return, reasons for return and post-return outcomes

Abstract

A considerable number of adopted animals are returned to animal shelters post-adoption which can be stressful for both the animal and the owner. In this retrospective analysis of 23,932 animal records from a US shelter, we identified animal characteristics associated with the likelihood of return, key return reasons, and outcomes post-return for dogs and cats. Binary logistic regression models were used to describe the likelihood of return, return reason and outcome based on intake age, intake type, sex, breed and return frequency. Behavioral issues and incompatibility with existing pets were the most common return reasons. Age and breed group (dogs only) predicted the likelihood of return, return reason and post-adoption return outcome. Adult dogs had the greatest odds of post-adoption return (OR 3.40, 95% CI 2.88–4.01) and post-return euthanasia (OR 3.94, 95% CI 2.04–7.59). Toy and terrier breeds were 65% and 35% less likely to be returned compared with herding breeds. Pit bull-type breeds were more likely to be returned multiple times (X2 = 18.11, p = 0.01) and euthanized post-return (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.47–4.61). Our findings highlight the importance of animal behavior in the retention of newly adopted animals and provide useful direction for allocation of resources and future adoption counselling and post-adoption support services.

Relinquishing Owners Underestimate Their Dog's Behavioral Problems: Deception or Lack of Knowledge?

“…Regardless of the underlying reasons for the discrepancy between relinquishing owners' responses to the mini C-BARQ and the direct question about their experience of behavior problems, the current findings indicate that the mini C-BARQ, or similar behavioral assessment tools, are likely to provide animal shelters with reliable and accurate information about a relinquished dog's behavior. The results of numerous previous studies suggest that behavior problems are a major reason why owners surrender or return dogs to shelters (12,(14)(15)(16). Our finding that relinquished dogs' mini C-BARQ scores were consistently poorer than those of a matched sample of pet dogs also suggests that behavioral issues might play a major role in relinquishment decisions.…”

“…Problem behaviors have also been associated with reduced owner attachment and satisfaction (8)(9)(10)(11) which may threaten the human-animal bond and place the dog at increased risk of relinquishment as behavioral issues are a leading cause of canine relinquishment worldwide (12)(13)(14). Many unsuccessful animal adoptions, in which animals are returned to the shelter post-adoption, can also be attributed to behavioral issues (15)(16)(17).…”

The impact of returning a pet to the shelter on future animal adoptions

“…A 5-year retrospective analysis of adoption records from Charleston Animal Society (South Carolina, USA) showed 1999 owners returned animals to the shelter following adoption, giving an overall return rate of 9.2% 11 . The vast majority of individuals returned one animal ( n = 1899, 95.0%), although 4.4% returned two animals ( n = 88), 10 adopters returned three animals and two adopters returned four animals.…”

“…Garrison and Weiss 4 found more than 80% of prospective dog owners considered acquiring their dog from a shelter. However, animals are returned to the shelter following adoption in 7% to 20% of all adoptions 5 – 11 . Returns occur for a variety of reasons, although animal behavior has been consistently documented as a primary cause of return for both dogs and cats 6 – 8 , 11 , 12 .…”

“…However, animals are returned to the shelter following adoption in 7% to 20% of all adoptions 5 – 11 . Returns occur for a variety of reasons, although animal behavior has been consistently documented as a primary cause of return for both dogs and cats 6 – 8 , 11 , 12 . Incompatibility with existing pets and owner’s health concerns, particularly allergies among cat adopters, also lead to a significant number of returned adoptions 11 – 13 .…”