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Relinquishment Reasons

According to the National Center on Pet population Study and Policy (www.petpopulation.org), here are the Top Ten reasons for pet relinquishment to shelters in the United States:

Dogs: 1. Moving 2. Landlord issues 3. Cost of pet maintenance 4. No time for pet 5. Inadequate facilities 6. Too many pets in home 7. Pet illness(es) 8. Personal problems 9. Biting 10. No homes for littermates

Cats: 1. Too many in house 2. Allergies 3. Moving 4. Cost of pet maintenance 5. Landlord issues 6. No homes for littermates 7. House soiling 8. Personal problems 9. Inadequate facilities 10. Doesn't get along with other pets

An article entitled "Behavioral Reasons for Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats to 12 Shelters," published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 3(2), 93-106, 2000 offered more detail on some of the behavioral problems experienced by pets and their owners.

Dogs: 1. Bites 2. Aggressive toward people 3. Escapes 4. Destructive inside 5. Destructive outside 6. Disobedient 7. Problems between new pet and other pets 8. Aggressive toward animals 9. Soils house 10. Vocalizes too much

Cats: 1. Soils house 2. Problems between new pet and other pets 3. Aggressive toward people 4. Destructive inside 5. Aggressive toward animals 6. Bites 7. Disobedient 8. Euthanasia for behavioral reasons 9. Unfriendly 10. Afraid

Following is a Top Ten list of suggestions for helping pet owners work with pet problems:

1. When problems occur, have your pet checked out by your veterinarian. Eliminate the possibility that a behavioral problem is caused by a medical problem.
2. Have your pet spayed or neutered - the younger the better. But no matter what the age, have it done.
3. Don't punish your pet for incorrect behavior. Only use positive reinforcement. Correcting after the fact is pointless. Immediately praise your pet when it does the correct behavior.
4. Remember that stress and change can affect a pet's behavior just as it often affects human behavior. Be patient during these times.
5. Take your dog to a training class. The class is as important for the owner as it is for the pet. Once the class has been completed, have realistic expectations for the pet. Remember it's a dog training class - not an MBA program.
6. Learn proper crate training techniques, and teach them to your dog.
7. Change/scoop your cats litter box often. Keep the litter box out of high traffic areas. After all, don't we all like privacy and a clean environment?! Clip your cat's nails routinely. Don't declaw.
8. A bored pet may act out for attention. Spend time every day with your pet. Pets need an outlet for their energy.
9. Pets who are anxious when they are alone may feel better if you leave the radio on. While it may not be your choice for listening enjoyment, pets often feel better when classical music is played.
10. Generally, undesirable behaviors can be eliminated with love, patience, and proper training. However, pet owners must take responsibility for their pets, taking the time to socialize them and keep them in good health.
    
    

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Revised: April 2, 2004