15 Reasons Why People Give Up Their Dogs

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Dogs bring love and joy to a house, but not every story ends with a wagging tail. Sometimes, circumstances force owners to give up on their pets. There can be—life’s challenges, misunderstandings, or some unexpected events that lead people to surrender their furry friends. Here are the top 15 reasons why people give up their dogs.

Money Problems

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Owning a dog isn’t cheap, and even if a family starts off prepared, things don’t always go as planned. Jobs can change, money can get tight, or the economy might throw everyone a curveball. When giving their pup the life it truly deserves becomes too hard, some families make the tough call to rehome it, hoping it’ll find a place where it’s loved and well cared for.

High Vet Bills

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Money problems get even trickier when a dog needs unexpected medical care. Vet bills can be super expensive, and no matter how hard we try to keep our pups healthy, accidents and illnesses happen. Instead of watching their dog struggle, some families make the tough call to rehome it, hoping it’ll get the treatment it needs and a better shot at a happy, healthy life.

New Baby or Family Changes

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Although bringing a new baby into the family is usually a happy time, it can also come with a lot of stress. No matter how much a family prepares or trains their dog for the change, it can still be a tough transition for both the family and the dog. Plus, dogs are a big commitment and need constant care. When a family feels they can’t give that anymore, they might decide to rehome their pup.

Health Issues with the Owner

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Life’s full of surprises, and sadly that includes our health. After years with their dog, some owners find their health taking a hit, making it harder to give their pup the time and care it deserves. When things like daily walks and playtime start slipping, many make the tough call to find a new home for their dog—somewhere it can still enjoy the full, happy life it needs.

Not Enough Time

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A common reason pet owners give up their pets to shelters is because they don’t feel like they have enough time to care for them. Pets need a lot of attention—feeding, walking, letting them out, cleaning their litter tray, vet visits, training, and socializing. It’s not at all fair to leave your pet alone for long times, especially social animals like dogs who need human company.

Dog’s Health and Getting Older

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Animals can get sick, whether suddenly or over time, and as they get older, they may need extra care because of age-related health problems. Just like how we need support in old age. This care can take up more of the owner’s time and bring higher vet costs. Anyone adopting a dog should take care of their furry friend for life, no matter what health issues come up along the way.

Issues with Other Pets

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Just like people, some animals don’t always get along. When adding new pets to the family, it’s important to introduce them the right way. Some families might even keep their pets separated. But managing training and separation can get pretty overwhelming, and there’s no guarantee it’ll work out. After a while, some families find it tough to keep up, so they might decide to rehome one of the pets to keep everyone happy and safe.

Too Much Energy

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Some dogs have loads of energy. It’s just how some breeds are, and owners might find that no matter how much exercise or fun activities they give their dog, it still stays full of energy. Owners may bring home a puppy, only to realize that the dog stays super active even as it gets older. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, some owners choose to rehome their dog so it can live with people who can match its energy level.

Behavioral Problems

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Training can get pricey. While there are some things owners can train their dogs to do at home without a professional, there are also behaviors that might be too tough to handle on their own. Or maybe, even after trying, the dog’s behavior doesn’t change at all. In these cases, an owner may feel their dog would be better off in a different environment.

Moving and Housing Restrictions

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Moving is something most people do a few times in their lives. Sometimes, families need to move fast (due to emergency situations), and their housing options are limited. A lot of landlords won’t allow some kinds of dog breeds (like Bully breeds) or dogs over a certain size. Some won’t let any dogs in at all. In all these cases, families need to leave their dog with someone else until they can settle into a more permanent home.

Job Changes and Family Shifts

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Another reason for shifts in family dynamics is a job or career change. These are big changes in someone’s life. People have to do what’s best for their family and finances, which can mean taking on more responsibilities. When this happens, some families decide to rehome their dog as they believe it’ll give it a better, happier life in a different home.

Aggressive or Reactive Behavior

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Unfortunately, some dogs are reactive to some kind of situation, both at home and outside. Training can help families manage these triggers, but it’s not always a guaranteed “fix” for aggressive or reactive behavior. For some families, this can be worrying and even a bit scary. When it feels like it’s too much to handle, they may decide to find a new owner who can better handle the dog’s needs.

Losing Interest

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Sadly, it’s true that some people, especially kids, lose interest in their pets and start to see them as a burden. We really recommend against getting a dog to teach kids responsibility. Why? Because it usually doesn’t work, and parents end up taking care of the pet. Even worse, the pet gets rehomed, surrendered, or abandoned. Nobody wants that.

Family Allergies

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It’s a scenario no one expects. You bring home a dog, and a few weeks in, someone in the family starts sneezing non-stop or developing rashes. Allergies can turn a happy home into a stressful one. Sure, there are hypoallergenic breeds, but even those aren’t 100% allergen-free. When daily life turns into a battle against runny noses and itchy eyes, some families feel they have no choice.

Using Pets for Profit

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Some people use companion animals to make money (like through racing or breeding) or for sports (like hunting or fighting). When these animals get too old, sick, or slow and can’t do their “job” anymore, they often get left behind. The lucky ones end up at good shelters or are rehomed, but sadly, many are either abandoned or put down in a brutal way. This is very shocking, but it is a reality that dogs face. 

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