Animal shelters and rescue organizations provide care for homeless, lost, or abandoned animals. Due to many reasons, dogs end up in the care of these organizations, but some reasons can be avoided. Below are the top ten reasons why dogs are taken to shelters.
- Moving. The number one reason given for taking a dog to a shelter is moving. When a family moves and cannot find a home for the pet, they must make a decision about what to do with the pet. Often times, the solution is to take the dog to a shelter or rescue organization and hope a new home can be found.
- Landlord issues. Another common reason for surrendering a dog is landlord issues. Dogs' behavior, such as barking, can cause problems, especially if the family lives in an apartment complex.
- Cost of maintenance. Unfortunately, some people do not realize the cost of care and maintenance of animals. Once the vet services or grooming costs are realized, the pet may not seem as attractive or adorable as first thought.
- No time for the dog. Sometimes parents acquire animals for their children only to realize that the children’s interests are quickly turned elsewhere, such as sports or other hobbies. This situation leaves a dog with limited exercise opportunities, and possibly care and maintenance issues due to parents' harried schedules.
- Inadequate facilities. This category includes stray, found, or abandoned dogs that people just do not have the facilities to take care of. It may be necessary to take the animal to a shelter for proper care, maintenance, and a potential new home.
- Dog is ill or old. All dogs have health issues at some point in time, especially during the latter years of life. In some cases, the dog will never reach a healthy state and families are faced with the choice to euthanize or costly procedures to save the pet. Many times in these cases, the dogs will be surrendered to shelters.
- Personal problems. When couples have problems or a child is ill, the first one to lose the time and attention is the family pet. In some circumstances, taking a dog to a shelter cannot be avoided, but in others, the situation can be an excuse to give up the pet.
- Too many animals in the home. Too many animals may be caused by not having animals spayed or neutered.
- Biting. This aggressive behavior should be addressed as soon as possible. Determining what type of aggressive behavior the biting stems from can be the key to a solution, if one is possible. For instance, is the dog fearful, asserting dominance, or guarding territory?
- No homes for the litter. When dogs are not spayed or neutered, and allowed to breed, the consequence can be too many dogs for the family to feed and care for. If homes cannot be found for the pups, they may be taken to a shelter. Dog overpopulation is a serious concern.
Even though reasons for taking dogs to shelters vary, some can be avoided, such as researching the cost of care and maintenance of pets before acquiring one or spaying and neutering dogs to prevent unwanted puppies.
Sources:
Mehus-Roe, Kristin, (2009), The Original Dog Bible: The Definitive Source for All Things Dog, 2nd ed., Irvine, CA: Bow-Tie Press, Inc.
Debbie Baughman - Debbie Baughman is a freelance writer with a variety of interests. She is a lifelong learner who is curious about many subjects. Her ...
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