Reasons for Guardian-Relinquishment of Dogs to Shelters: Animal and Regional Predictors in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Dogs are relinquished to animal shelters for animal-related or guardian-related reasons. Understanding what drives relinquishment patterns is essential for informing intervention opportunities to keep animals with their guardians. Whereas, overall reasons for relinquishment in a given shelter system have been well explored, analysis of human and animal predictors of relinquishing for a specific reason has not been previously attempted. We used characteristics of relinquishment including year, population of the relinquishing guardian's region, health status of the dog, breed, age group, weight, and sex to predict reasons for dog relinquishment to British Columbia (BC) Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) shelters across BC between 2008 and 2019 (n = 32,081). Relinquishment trends for puppies and adult dogs were also viewed and described. From 2008–2019, the proportion of dogs relinquished relative to total intake remained consistent (range: 31–35%). Primary reasons reported by guardians were having too many dogs (19%), housing issues (17%), personal issues (15%), financial issues (10%), dog behavior (10%), and guardian health (8%). Over years, an increasing proportion of dogs were relinquished for the reason “too many” (OR = 1.16, 95% CI, 1.10–1.23, p < 0.001) and “behavior” (OR = 1.34, 95% CI, 1.26–1.43, p < 0.001), while a decreasing proportion were relinquished due to financial problems (OR = 0.94, 95% CI, 0.88–1.00, p = 0.047). Being a puppy, mixed breed, small, and from a small or medium population center predicted the reason “too many.” Being a senior, Healthy, or from a medium or large population center predicted the reason “housing issues.” Being a non-puppy, Healthy dog in a large population center predicted the reason “personal issues.” Being a puppy, non-Healthy, female, and from a large population center predicted the reason “financial issues.” Being a larger young adult or adult and Healthy predicted the reason “dog behavior.” Being an adult or senior small dog from a small population center predicted the reason “guardian health.” Particularly promising region-specific intervention opportunities include efforts to prevent too many animals in small population centers, improvement of pet-inclusive housing in large population centers, and providing animal care support in large population centers. Accessible veterinary services, including low-cost or subsidized care, likely benefit dog retention across BC.

Environmental risk factors in puppies and kittens for developing chronic disorders in adulthood: A call for research on developmental programming

“…Behavioral problems in dogs and cats are common and can affect their welfare and quality of life (173), their relationship with humans, and their suitability for assistance work (174). Difficult behavior is frequently cited by owners as being at least one of the reasons for them relinquishing their pets to animal rescue centers, being the primary reason for 10% of dogs in a recent Canadian study (13), and the sole reason for 27% of dogs and 19% of cats in a US study (14). They can also drive some owners to seek elective euthanasia for their pets (15).…”

“…These chronic disorders are common in domestic carnivores, challenging to treat, and have major deleterious effects on health, quality of life and potentially longevity (10)(11)(12). Difficult behavior can lead to a break-down in the humananimal bond, and may result in abuse, relinquishment or euthanasia of pets (13)(14)(15). It is possible that some of the modifiable variables explored may represent ongoing risks that commence or become apparent in early life, and some may be manifestations of DOHaD, with changes in the epigenome at periods of developmental plasticity.…”

Companion animal adoption and relinquishment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Peri-pandemic pets at greatest risk of relinquishment

“…The increased risk of relinquishment for pets obtained as a gift is in line often voiced concern from animal charities and organizations that animals given as gifts may end up in shelters (37)(38)(39). However, this finding contrasts with most previous research, where pets given as a gift were not found to be at increased risk of relinquishment (40). For example, Scarlett et al (41) found that only 0.3% of dog owners and 0.4% of cat owners cited "unwanted gift" as a reason for relinquishment across 12 USA animal shelters.…”

“…Pet owners often under-estimate the financial burden associated with pet ownership (36) and companion animals may compound existing stressors in households in financial difficulty (45). For example, Eagan et al (40) found that 10% of dog owners cited financial reasons as the reason for relinquishment of dogs to a number of Canadian shelters between 2008 and 2019. Similarly, Applebaum et al (4) distributed an online survey to a convenience sample of 3006 USA pet owners, and found that 7% of participants reported concerns and difficulties related to financial problems and caring for their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Effect of a provincial feline onychectomy ban on cat intake and euthanasia in a British Columbia animal shelter system

“…25,26 A recent 10-year analysis of BC SPCA surrender reasons found that 83% (n= 55,128/66,694) of feline owner surrenders were for owner-related reasons such as housing and financial challenges. 27 Many owners facing a surrender decision (88% in one study) would prefer to keep their animal if offered support. 28 While preventing shelter intake is the main objective for all animal welfare organizations, focusing veterinary resources on access to care, outreach services and preventative care is likely to have a much greater impact on preserving the human–animal bond within communities than maintaining elective onychectomy.…”