How Often Do People Return Dogs? The Truth Behind Dog Return Rates
While the vast majority of dog adoptions are successful and rewarding, a concerning percentage of dogs are returned to shelters or breeders. The actual rate varies widely depending on the source, but estimates suggest that between 5% and 20% of adopted or purchased dogs are returned, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation and matching.
Understanding Dog Return Rates: A Complex Issue
Bringing a dog into your life is a significant decision, one that requires careful consideration. Unfortunately, sometimes the reality doesn’t match the expectation, leading to the difficult choice of returning a dog. How often do people return dogs? The answer is complex and influenced by several factors.
Factors Influencing Return Rates
Many elements contribute to the likelihood of a dog being returned. Understanding these factors can help prospective owners make informed decisions and improve adoption success rates.
- Mismatched Expectations: Often, adopters have unrealistic expectations about the time, effort, and resources required to care for a dog. They might underestimate the training needs, exercise requirements, or costs associated with dog ownership.
- Behavioral Issues: Unaddressed behavioral problems, such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or aggression, are a leading cause of returns. These issues can be exacerbated by a lack of proper training and socialization.
- Lifestyle Changes: Unexpected life changes, such as moving, job loss, or the birth of a child, can make it difficult for owners to provide adequate care for their dogs.
- Inadequate Screening: Shelters and breeders who fail to thoroughly screen potential adopters and match them with suitable dogs contribute to higher return rates.
- Lack of Support: New owners who lack access to resources and support, such as training classes, veterinary care, and behavioral consultations, may struggle to overcome challenges and ultimately decide to return their dog.
The Impact of Breed and Age
Certain breeds and age groups are more likely to be returned than others. Energetic breeds that require significant exercise and mental stimulation can be challenging for inexperienced or less active owners. Puppies, while adorable, require extensive training and socialization, which can be overwhelming for some. Senior dogs, on the other hand, may have pre-existing health conditions that require ongoing care and expense.
Responsible Adoption Practices: Minimizing Returns
To minimize the risk of dog returns, both shelters/breeders and prospective owners must prioritize responsible practices.
For Shelters and Breeders:
- Thorough Screening: Implement a comprehensive screening process to assess potential adopters’ suitability and match them with dogs whose needs align with their lifestyle.
- Accurate Descriptions: Provide honest and accurate descriptions of each dog’s personality, energy level, and any known behavioral issues.
- Pre-Adoption Counseling: Offer counseling sessions to educate potential adopters about the responsibilities of dog ownership and address any concerns.
- Post-Adoption Support: Provide ongoing support and resources to new owners, such as training recommendations, veterinary referrals, and behavioral consultations.
For Prospective Owners:
- Self-Assessment: Honestly assess your lifestyle, resources, and ability to provide adequate care for a dog.
- Research: Research different breeds and choose one that is a good fit for your personality and lifestyle.
- Preparation: Prepare your home for the arrival of your new dog and gather all necessary supplies, such as food, water bowls, leash, collar, and bed.
- Training: Enroll in obedience classes and begin training your dog as soon as possible.
- Commitment: Be prepared to commit to the long-term care and well-being of your dog.
The Emotional Toll of Returning a Dog
Returning a dog is a heartbreaking experience for both the owner and the animal. It’s crucial to remember the emotional impact and consider all possible alternatives before making this difficult decision. Seeking professional help from trainers or veterinary behaviorists can sometimes resolve the underlying issues contributing to the decision to return the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average return rate for dogs adopted from shelters?
The average return rate for dogs adopted from shelters is estimated to be between 10% and 20%. This number varies depending on the shelter’s screening processes, the types of dogs they adopt out, and the level of post-adoption support they provide.
Are certain breeds more likely to be returned than others?
Yes, certain breeds, particularly those with high energy levels or specific behavioral traits like herding or guarding, may be more prone to returns if owners are not prepared for their unique needs. Researching breed-specific characteristics is crucial before adoption.
How does the age of a dog affect its likelihood of being returned?
Puppies and adolescent dogs are often returned due to unmanageable energy levels and training challenges. Senior dogs might be returned because of unexpected health issues or the owners’ inability to provide specialized care.
What are the most common reasons people return dogs?
The most common reasons include behavioral problems (e.g., aggression, excessive barking), unrealistic expectations about dog ownership, lifestyle changes (e.g., moving, new baby), and financial constraints.
Does the adoption fee affect the likelihood of a dog being returned?
Studies suggest that a higher adoption fee can slightly reduce return rates, as it may indicate a greater commitment from the adopter. However, this is not the only determining factor.
What role do shelters play in preventing dog returns?
Shelters play a critical role by implementing thorough screening processes, providing accurate descriptions of dogs, offering pre- and post-adoption counseling, and offering support services to new owners.
How can potential dog owners prepare for dog ownership to minimize the risk of returns?
Potential owners should research dog breeds thoroughly, assess their lifestyle and resources, prepare their home for a dog, enroll in obedience classes, and be prepared to commit to long-term care.
Are there alternatives to returning a dog to a shelter?
Yes, alternatives include seeking professional training or behavioral help, consulting with a veterinarian about potential medical issues contributing to behavioral problems, and exploring options for temporary care if facing temporary challenges.
What happens to dogs when they are returned to shelters?
When a dog is returned, the shelter assesses its health and temperament again. The dog is then put up for adoption, ideally to a more suitable home. However, overcrowded shelters can face difficult decisions if they lack space or resources.
Is there a “return window” for adopted dogs?
Some shelters have a defined return window (e.g., 7-14 days), allowing adopters to return the dog within a specific timeframe if the match isn’t working. However, policies vary by shelter.
What are the ethical considerations when returning a dog?
Returning a dog should be a last resort, as it can be emotionally distressing for the animal. Owners should exhaust all other options before making this difficult decision.
How can I find a dog that is the right fit for my lifestyle?
Start by carefully considering your lifestyle, energy level, and available time. Research different breeds, visit shelters, and speak with adoption counselors to find a dog that aligns with your needs and capabilities. Thorough preparation is the key to a successful and lasting match. Understanding how often do people return dogs and the reasons behind these returns will improve your chances of finding a forever friend.