It's raining cats and dogs in US shelters: A sign of harsh economic conditions

First Post

27-07-2025

Animal shelters and rescues across the United States are seeing a sharp rise in 'owner surrenders,' with many people citing financial hardship as the reason they can no longer keep their pets read more
Pet owners are surrendering their furry friends to rescues and animal shelters in US, citing economic hardship. Representational Image/Pixabay
Animal shelters and rescues across the United States are seeing a sharp rise in 'owner surrenders,' with many people citing financial hardship as the reason they can no longer keep their pets.
Melissa Knicely, a spokesperson for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control in North Carolina, said owner surrenders so far this year are up nearly 43 per cent compared with the same period last year. 'There are times when the economy has taken a dip or we've had a lot of job layoffs; and 100 per cent, you're going to see that significantly (in owner surrender cases),' she said.
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What is driving the increase in owner surrenders?
Pet ownership has become more expensive in recent years, with the cost of vet care, food, beds and toys rising. Tariffs on certain goods are also expected to push prices higher in the coming months. Families already burdened by debt or medical bills, or those facing job losses, often find they cannot afford to keep their pets.
Housing is another factor. Megan Larson, intake manager at Ruff Start Rescue in Minnesota, said people frequently surrender pets when they move to cheaper homes that do not allow animals. 'It just breaks us to see people cry that they have to give up their animal because they have to move somewhere that's more affordable, and that place that's more affordable for them doesn't allow animals,' she said.
Are shelters able to handle the increase?
Many shelters are struggling. Ruff Start Rescue has received 1,496 owner surrender applications so far this year, compared with 1,292 during the same period in 2023. The organisation has 600 to 700 active foster homes but not enough capacity for every animal in need. Large dogs are especially hard to place because they are more expensive to feed and care for, and many rental properties have breed restrictions.
The strain is nationwide. The Animal Care Centers of New York announced on July 18 that it had reached a 'breaking point' and suspended intake due to 'critical capacity issues.' In Chicago, animal control officials warned in May that they were averaging 56 animals a day coming into shelters, up from 54 in April.
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What other factors are at play?
Cesar Perea of the American Humane Society called it a 'perfect storm.' The cost of living has risen, and a shortage of veterinarians has driven up care costs. Pets adopted during the pandemic have sometimes developed behavioural issues due to lack of socialisation during lockdowns. Rental restrictions have also tightened.
In Los Angeles County, some pets have been surrendered after their owners were deported, said Christopher Valles, an animal control manager. 'We do try to provide resources for anybody who's in a difficult position,' he said, adding that the agency can offer food, medical treatment and support to help owners keep their pets.