The Impact of COVID-19 on Animal Shelters & Pet Abandonment Rates

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped nearly every aspect of life, from work and travel to social interactions and financial stability. But one of the lesser-discussed effects of the pandemic was its impact on pets.

In 2020, animal shelters and rescues saw an unprecedented rise in adoptions as people sought companionship during lockdowns. But as life gradually returned to normal, shelters experienced a surge in pet surrenders. This article takes a deep dive into how COVID-19 influenced animal adoption trends, the factors that led to increased abandonment rates, and what can be done to prevent future crises.

The Pandemic Pet Adoption Boom

At the beginning of the pandemic, shelters across the U.S. and other countries saw record-high adoption and foster rates. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), about 23 million American households (nearly 1 in 5 homes) adopted a pet during the COVID-19 crisis.

There were a few key reasons behind this spike:

• More Time at Home – With remote work and stay-at-home orders, people had more time to care for pets, making adoption feel like a practical and rewarding decision.

• Emotional Support – The uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Many turned to pets for companionship and emotional well-being.

• Shelter Promotions – Many shelters reduced adoption fees, waived them entirely, or introduced foster-to-adopt programs to encourage people to take in animals.

This adoption surge was seen as a silver lining of the pandemic. But as restrictions eased and life returned to normal, the reality of long-term pet ownership set in for many people.

The Post-Pandemic Rise in Pet Abandonment

As workplaces reopened and daily routines changed, shelters saw a sharp increase in pet surrenders. While some families successfully integrated their pets into their post-pandemic lives, others struggled to keep up with the responsibilities.

How Bad Did It Get?

• A 2022 Shelter Animals Count report found that animal intakes increased by 8% from 2021 to 2022, with many shelters operating at or over capacity.

• The Houston Humane Society reported a 50% increase in pet surrenders in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic years.

• The RSPCA in the UK saw a 24% increase in pet abandonments in 2022, with financial hardship being a leading reason.

These trends weren’t just affecting shelters—they also had serious consequences for the pets themselves. Many shelters were overwhelmed, leading to longer stays for animals, increased euthanasia rates in some areas, and severe stress on staff and volunteers.

Why Were Pets Abandoned?

1. Return to Work & Lifestyle Changes
   During the pandemic, people were home all the time, giving pets constant attention. But as offices reopened and people started traveling again, many realized they couldn’t provide the care their pet needed.

   Dogs, in particular, suffered from separation anxiety, which led to destructive behaviors. Some owners, unprepared for the adjustment, surrendered their pets rather than working through the challenges.

2. Financial Hardship
   The economic impact of COVID-19 hit many households hard. Vet bills, pet food, and supplies can add up to thousands of dollars a year, and some families simply couldn’t afford the costs anymore.

   • The ASPCA found that nearly 1 in 4 pet owners who considered rehoming their pet in 2021 cited financial hardship as the primary reason.

   • Inflation in 2022 made things worse, as pet food prices increased by over 10%, making ownership even more difficult for lower-income families.

3. Behavioral Problems
   Many pets adopted during the pandemic lacked proper training and socialization. Because they weren’t exposed to new people, other animals, or busy environments, they developed fearful, anxious, or aggressive behaviors.

   • A 2021 study published in Scientific Reports found that dogs adopted during the pandemic were more likely to exhibit fear and anxiety-related behaviors than those adopted pre-pandemic.

   • Many of these behavioral issues became overwhelming for inexperienced owners, leading to increased returns to shelters.

4. Housing Issues
   As eviction moratoriums ended, many renters were forced to move. Some couldn't find pet-friendly housing, while others had landlords who reinstated strict pet policies that had been relaxed during the pandemic.

   • A survey by Petfinder found that housing-related issues were among the top reasons for pet surrenders in 2022, alongside financial difficulties and behavioral problems.

How Shelters & Rescues Responded

With shelters filling up faster than ever, organizations had to get creative to prevent a full-blown crisis. Some of the solutions included:

• Expanding Foster Programs – Encouraging temporary foster placements to free up shelter space.

• Providing Financial Aid & Resources – Many shelters started pet food pantries, offered low-cost veterinary services, and provided training resources to struggling pet owners.

• Public Awareness Campaigns – Rescues launched education campaigns about responsible pet ownership, emphasizing that adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment.

Despite these efforts, many shelters still face overcrowding and limited resources. Animal welfare experts worry that if another economic downturn hits, pet surrenders could spike again.

Preventing Future Abandonment Crises

The pandemic exposed some major gaps in responsible pet ownership. Moving forward, shelters, rescues, and communities can work together to prevent another surge in pet abandonments.

Key Solutions:

Encourage Responsible Adoptions

• Shelters can implement stricter screening processes to ensure adopters understand the long-term commitment.

• More emphasis on educating new pet owners about training, socialization, and costs before they adopt.

Make Pet Care More Affordable

• Expand access to low-cost veterinary services.

• Encourage pet-friendly housing policies to prevent surrenders due to rental restrictions.

Provide Better Training & Socialization Resources

• Offer free or low-cost dog training classes, especially for new adopters.

• Educate owners on preventing separation anxiety and behavioral issues before they escalate.

Strengthen Community Support Systems

• Develop stronger partnerships between shelters, local governments, and nonprofits to provide resources for struggling pet owners.

• Increase funding for spay/neuter programs to prevent overpopulation.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a rollercoaster of pet adoption trends, from record-high adoptions in 2020 to heartbreaking surrender spikes in the years that followed. It’s a stark reminder that owning a pet isn’t just a temporary solution to loneliness—it’s a lifelong responsibility.

While shelters and rescues continue to do incredible work, the real change starts with responsible pet ownership. If we can learn anything from this crisis, it’s that adopting a pet should always be a well-thought-out decision, not an impulse choice.

By working together to provide education, resources, and support, we can create a future where fewer pets end up in shelters—and more stay in loving homes for life.