10 Reasons Pets are Surrendered, and What to Do Instead

Every day, thousands of animals are surrendered to shelters, usually unnecessarily. Sadly, the majority of them never make it out of the shelter alive. Most pets are surrendered through no fault of their own, but for reasons related to the owners. According to a study by PetHealth, Inc., here are the most common reasons dogs and cats are surrendered to animal shelters -- and some alternatives to use instead.

1. Too many pets (18 percent)

This is the most common, and the most preventable, reason people abandon their pets. Do not adopt or buy a new pet unless you're certain you have the space, time, and money for it. It's that simple. There is no reason to have "too many pets," because getting a pet is a choice, not something you are forced into.

2. Unwanted/Incompatible (10 percent)

This is usually because of a pet that has house-training problems or is rebelling to a new baby. Both of these can be solved (admittedly, with some difficulty) through obedience training. If this fails and you absolutely can not keep your pet, seek a no-kill shelter.

3. Moving/Deployed (10 percent)

Take your pet with you when you move. If this isn't an option and the move is temporary, find a friend, family, kennel, or foster who can keep your pet until you can care for him again. Several nonprofits now work to care for the pets of deployed soldiers.

4. Stray/Found/Abandoned (8 percent)

This is the most understandable reason for bringing an animal to a shelter. If possible, please foster it until you find it a permanent home. If not, please at least hold onto it until it can be transferred to a no-kill shelter.

5. Inability to care for (8 percent)

It's very sad when this happens. Please contact animal rescue nonprofits in your area for help. If you are seriously ill or have little money, and can no longer tend to your pet's needs, many no-kill shelters can help you find a foster home or help you pay for pet care, until you're back on your feet.

6. Financial/Home insurance policy restrictions (6 percent)

Do not adopt a pet unless your home insurance policy or landlord allow it. If you have unexpected financial problems and can't provide for your pet, seek the help of charities such as your local food bank no-kill shelters. Many groups will likely be willing to help out.

7. Euthanasia request (5 percent)

You should have never owned a pet if you're the kind of person who would have an animal killed for your convenience. Please retain your animal until you can rehome it to a responsible home, or until space is available at a no-kill shelter.

8. Unwanted litter/Pregnant female (4 percent)

Spay and neuter. There is no excuse not to do it and it saves lives.

9. Allergic to animal (4 percent)

If your allergy to animals is mild enough that you did not know you were allergic until after you adopted, it is mild enough to be treated with antihistamines and proper home hygiene, either permanently or until you can find your pet a permanent home or no-kill shelter.

10. Unspecified (5 percent)

There are rare circumstances in which surrender may seem like the only option, but it's always best to try to get in touch with no-kill shelters and responsible new owners before you drop your family member off at animal control. Your animal depends on you.