Local animal shelters say they're seeing an uptick in pet surrenders. It's a problem that can ramp up after the holidays when pets are given as gifts.
Take Charlie the Australian Shepherd, for example. Despite being one of the most desirable dog breeds, she was recently surrendered to the Cape Coral Animal Shelter. “She was purchased at a pet store as a puppy, and the family quickly decided within about six or seven months, that wasn't the right fit for them. Too much energy for their family." said shelter manager Kris Barnes.
The shelter's executive director, Liz McCauley, says returning pets should be a last resort, "We always tell people three days, three weeks, three months. It's really true. It takes a while for an animal to get acclimated to your house."
The shelter also has resources that can help. If your pet is having behavioral issues, they have trainers on staff who can give advice. If medical expenses are the problem, they have grants and programs that could cover costs. "Please ask us, and we will help," said McCauley.
During the adoption process, shelter employees work hard to make sure the animal fits with the owner's lifestyle. "You should listen to the people that are doing the adoption counseling. They know the dogs, they know their requirements for their activity levels and things like that," said Barnes.
If a puppy isn't the best match for you, the shelter has plenty of senior dogs that deserve homes just as much.
Of course, sometimes life just happens. McCauley says the top reason pets are returned are pet restrictions at apartments. She urges those owners to return pets to a shelter, so they can find them the best home.
"We encourage that. We'd rather see that than them trying to home them on Facebook," said McCauley.