Why are Pets Ending Up in Shelters?
Many people share a very special bond with their pets. Every day in communities across the U.S. this bond is broken, resulting in millions of pets being surrendered to shelters each year. An estimated four million cats are euthanized in animal shelters each year; dog euthanasias are estimated to equal half the number of cats. A recent study conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) revealed possible reasons why pets end up in shelters. Researchers went into 12 selected animal shelters in the U.S. and found that the top seven reasons for relinquishment for both dogs and cats are the same: 1. Moving. 2. Landlord not allowing pet. 3. Too many animals in household. 4. Cost of pet maintenance. 5. Owner having personal problems. 6. Inadequate facilities. 7. No homes available for litter mates. These similarities suggest that there may be similar ways to address relinquishment in dogs and cats. Specially trained researchers completed confidential individual
