The Over-looked Truth About Owner Surrendered Dogs
When Life Happens: Making the Right Choice
Each year, thousands of dogs are abandoned at rescues and shelters, negatively impacting both the dogs and the organizations. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected changes such as financial hardships, illness, or divorce can make pet ownership difficult. In these unfortunate circumstances, tough decisions must be made. Often, these decisions are made hastily and without thorough consideration. Sadly, surrendering a family dog is a choice that happens all too often.
While some situations justify surrendering a pet, many do not. The decision to surrender a dog should be as carefully considered as the decision to adopt one. Bringing a dog into your home is a commitment that comes with responsibility, training, and dedication. While some circumstances are unavoidable, planning for future challenges can reduce the likelihood of surrendering a beloved pet.
Every time an owner surrenders a dog, the animal experiences emotional and physical distress, which can be difficult to overcome. While the dog suffers the most, rescues and shelters also bear the burden, facing financial strain, resource depletion, and emotional exhaustion.
In the Eyes of Your Dog: The Impact on a Surrendered Dog
Dogs experience emotions similar to humans. Dogs do not care about your job, the car you drive, the size and beauty of your home, or the clothes you wear. Dogs care about things that are far more simple than materialistic items. They want to be a part of a family, have food and water in their bowls, play a game of fetch out in the yard, and be close to someone they love. They value companionship, routine, and security. Surrendering a dog disrupts everything they rely on for happiness and well-being. The consequences of surrendering a dog can include:
Increased Trauma – Surrender can lead to long-term anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems, making rehoming more difficult.
Potential Euthanasia – Overcrowded shelters may have no choice but to euthanize dogs, especially those who develop behavioral issues due to stress. Behavioral issues include fear, withdrawal, and depression—not just aggression.
Difficulty Finding a New Home – A surrendered dog may develop trust issues and anxiety, making adoption challenging.
Physical Decline – Many surrendered dogs experience loss of appetite, thinning fur, and emaciation due to stress and emotional distress.
Facing Challenges: The Burden on Rescues and Shelters
It may seem easy to drop a pet off at a shelter or rescue, but this creates serious challenges for these organizations. Owners often believe surrendering their pet will cause no harm. However, rescues and shelters already struggle to accommodate abused, neglected, abandoned, and stray dogs. When owners surrender pets unnecessarily, it limits the resources available for truly at-risk animals.
Most rescues and shelters are nonprofit organizations that rely on donations and volunteers. Unfortunately, dogs arrive faster than donations, making it difficult to provide adequate care. The consequences of unnecessary surrenders include:
Limited Space – Many rescues and shelters operate at or beyond capacity. When space runs out, fewer dogs can be saved.
Financial Strain – Shelters must provide food, medical care, and training. Owner-surrendered dogs divert resources from dogs in urgent need.
Emotional Toll on Rescuers – Shelter staff and volunteers witness the heartbreak of surrendered dogs daily. The cycle of abandonment and rehabilitation can lead to compassion fatigue.
Thinking It Through: Wrong Reasons to Surrender
For responsible pet owners, giving up a dog is never an easy choice. While some situations are justifiable, many common reasons for surrender are avoidable. Before surrendering a pet, owners should consider alternative solutions. With consideration that not every situation is the same, rescues and shelters understand that some of the common wrong reasons to surrender do have exceptions. Some of the most common avoidable reasons for surrender include:
Lack of Time – Owning a dog requires a commitment of time for training, exercise, and socialization. If an owner does not make time for their pet, the dog often suffers behavioral consequences. Considering this before adopting is an absolute must.
Moving to a New Home – While some housing situations make pet ownership difficult, many options exist that allow pets. Surrendering a dog simply because of a move is often unnecessary.
Pregnancy or a New Baby – Many families adjust successfully to having both a dog and a new baby. Training and preparation can help integrate the dog into the new family dynamic. While some don't agree, when you surrender your dog because of a new baby, you are throwing out one family member in exchange for another.
Minor Behavioral Issues – Many behavioral problems, such as excessive barking, chewing, or jumping, can be corrected with patience and professional training.
Shedding and Allergies – Owners should research breeds before adoption to ensure they are a good fit for their household. Allergies can often be managed with medication and cleaning routines. For those unsure if they have allergies, take some time to spend volunteering at a rescue or shelter. If you are allergic, that is a great way to find out before adopting.
Growing Larger Than Expected – Some people surrender their dogs simply because they "got too big." Proper research on breed size before adoption prevents this issue. If you are unsure of a dog's breed, consider DNA testing before adopting if the current owner will allow it.
Getting a Dog on a Whim – Dogs should never be an impulse decision or a gift. They require long-term care, training, and financial commitment. Adopting should be taken as seriously as any other major life changing decision.
Desire for a New Pet – Some owners surrender their current dog to make room for a different pet. This is an irresponsible decision that negatively impacts the surrendered dog. Dogs are not a toy that can just be thrown out when something better comes along.
Normal Aging and Health Issues – Older dogs often require extra care and veterinary visits. Sadly, this is a common reason for surrendering a dog. It is extremely irresponsible and negligent to abandon a dog because you do not want to accept the responsibility of extra care and treatment needed when a dog is in their later stage of life. It is unfair to the pet who has been loyal for years.
Options are Available: Preventing Unnecessary Surrenders
While some situations make keeping a pet impossible, there are alternatives to surrendering a dog. Many rescues and shelters offer assistance to help owners keep their pets. If surrendering is being considered, seeking help first may provide a solution. Some alternatives include:
Seek Behavioral Training – Many dogs are surrendered due to behavioral issues that could be resolved with proper training and patience.
Explore Temporary Foster Options – If financial or housing issues are temporary, consider reaching out to local rescues for short-term foster options rather than permanently giving up your pet.
Reach Out for Support – There are many organizations that offer assistance with pet food, medical expenses, and rehoming support if financial hardship is an unavoidable concern.
Research- Doing proper research on your situation can greatly increase the chances of finding a solution that will allow your dog to remain in your home. Being properly educated is an important part of owning a dog, and just like any human relationship, there are always new things to learn about your dog.
A Commitment for Life: Be the Forever Home They Deserve
Bringing a dog into your home is a lifelong commitment. These loyal, loving animals depend on their owners for care and security. Before surrendering a pet, owners should exhaust all possible alternatives. The emotional pain and stress that a surrendered dog experiences, along with the burden placed on already overwhelmed rescues, highlight the need for responsible pet ownership.
If you or someone you know is considering surrendering a pet, take the time to explore other options. Every effort to keep a dog in a stable, loving home prevents unnecessary suffering and helps alleviate the strain on rescues working tirelessly to give homeless dogs a second chance.
