This economic indicator has become increasingly evident in North Carolina, where Melissa Knicely, who has worked at an animal shelter for nearly 19 years, has observed a troubling trend: more people are surrendering their pets. This phenomenon occurred during the financial crisis of the late 2000s, during waves of layoffs in the region, and more recently, amid rising inflation. In the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control, where Knicely serves as a spokesperson, the number of voluntary pet surrenders has risen sharply. So far this year, owner surrenders have increased by nearly 43 percent compared to the same period last year.
“There are times when the economy weakens or there are many layoffs, and in 100 percent of the cases, you will see that reflected in a significant increase in pet surrenders,” she explained. “We definitely see an increase every time there is some change in the economy.” This trend is not unique to Charlotte-Mecklenburg. In recent months, shelters and rescue organizations across the United States have reported a sharp rise in the number of animals being surrendered by their owners. Many of these organizations told CNN that financial hardship is the primary reason behind these decisions.
The cost of pet care has risen across the board in recent years, with veterinary visits, food, beds, treats, and toys becoming more expensive. Some tariff-sensitive products are expected to rise further in the coming months. These rising costs are compounded by financial instability, debt, unexpected medical issues (for either humans or animals), or job loss. “In most cases, the reason is financial,” said Megan Larson, admissions coordinator at Ruff Start Rescue, a home-based rescue organization in Princeton, Minnesota.
One common reason, she explained, is that people can no longer afford their current living situation. “It breaks our hearts to see people crying because they have to give up their pet when moving to a more affordable place, and that new place doesn’t allow pets,” she said. “It’s a devastating decision these people are forced to make. They don’t want to do it.” As of July 24, Ruff Start has received 1,496 voluntary surrender requests, with as many as 22 requests in a single day, according to data provided by Larson, who noted that many of these requests involve multiple animals. During the same period last year, there were 1,292 requests.
Although Ruff Start has a relatively extensive network of foster homes (between 600 and 700 active in Minnesota), the organization does not have the capacity to take in all the animals in need. “When talking to other local shelters, we are all a bit panicked because what we are seeing is a lack of foster homes for large dogs,” Larson said, noting that large dogs eat more, their veterinary care is more expensive, and they are often restricted in properties due to their breed or size. “That’s why we see many people having to surrender their large dogs.”
“We need more foster homes for them. That way, we could take in some of these amazing dogs.” Earlier this month, New York’s Animal Care Centers reached a “breaking point” and suspended admissions due to “critical capacity issues.”
“We did not make this decision lightly, but we cannot accept more owner surrenders,” the shelter announced on July 18. “With more than 1,000 pets in our care, we have reached our limit.” In Chicago, the city’s animal control and care office posted an Instagram message in May to alert the community:
“In just the first 20 days of May, we have received an average of 56 animals per day, up from 54 per day in April. It may not sound like much, but at this rate, each increase pushes our limited resources to the edge. 💔 Many of these pets arrive as strays. But many others are being surrendered by their own owners… people who probably love their animals but don’t know what else to do,” the post read.
Animal shelters across the United States are reaching their maximum capacity, reflecting a “perfect storm” that has been brewing over the past few years, explained Cesar Perea, associate vice president of rescue at the American Humane Society. Among the factors contributing to this situation are rising living costs and financial constraints, as well as a continuing shortage of veterinarians, which has caused care costs to skyrocket, he said.
Additionally, after a surge in adoptions during the pandemic, rental properties became more restrictive about allowing pets, and there was a notable increase in behavioral issues among so-called “pandemic puppies” raised in isolation. “Economic hardships are a major factor in the increase in overcrowded shelters,” Perea told CNN. “But I really believe we are facing a perfect storm of circumstances.”
In Los Angeles County, California, there is a new challenge: since early June, more than two dozen animals have been surrendered because their owners were deported, according to Christopher Valles, animal control manager at the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC). “We try to offer resources to anyone in that difficult situation,” Valles said. The DACC encourages any pet owner, including those who may be facing immigration issues, to contact the agency for assistance. “We can provide food, medical care, and support… in order to keep the pet in the home,” he noted.