Companion Animal Abandonment and Welfare

Animal abandonment peaks during economic crises, natural disasters, and changes in life circumstances.

Key Facts

Shelter intake in the US increased by over 30% in 2022-2023 as pandemic pets were surrendered
Housing instability is the leading reason for companion animal relinquishment
Moving to new housing that prohibits pets forces many owners to surrender animals
Pet-inclusive housing policies could prevent millions of animal abandonments annually

Welfare Considerations

Companion animal abandonment causes acute welfare harm — the stress of surrender, shelter confinement, and uncertainty about outcomes. Abandonment peaks during economic crises and major life transitions. The wave of pandemic pet surrenders in 2022-2023 overwhelmed shelter systems and resulted in increased euthanasia rates. The most effective prevention addresses the root causes: pet-inclusive housing policies, emergency pet food banks, and temporary fostering programs that allow owners to retain animals through crises rather than surrendering them permanently.

What You Can Do

Support pet-inclusive housing advocacy to prevent forced surrender
Donate to emergency pet food banks and veterinary assistance funds
Foster animals temporarily to support owners in crisis
Advocate for pet-inclusive emergency shelter policies in disaster planning