Are There More Dogs Than Ever in Shelters?

In the midst of 2020, there was one bright spot: pet adoptions soared and shelters stood empty. Memes featuring pets luxuriating in the change went viral. New remote work policies allowed people to welcome animals into their homes and lives…but at the same time, a question rose: once restrictions were lifted and people were called back into their offices, what would happen to these new pets? 

During the first half of 2022, the Animal Care Centers of NYC boasted a 92.7 percent placement rate for dogs, not significantly different from their 2020 rate of 94 percent. However, in terms of sheer numbers, Katy Hansen from the ACC reports that while the amount of animals needing homes has steadily risen, fewer homes are available overall. Furthermore, animals are staying at the ACC approximately 35 percent longer than pre-pandemic levels.

Prolonged time in shelter environments can induce stress in the calmest of dogs. Although volunteers, staff, and foster homes do their best to give dogs time to decompress, kennel stress is a well-known issue. Dogs might bark or pace relentlessly in confined spaces, urinate or defecate in their enclosures, refuse to eat, or develop reactive behaviors. Others swing in the opposite direction and become less active and seek to hide as much as possible. The issue afflicts shelters nationwide–across the country in California, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter attempts to find dogs foster or forever homes in two weeks to minimize the development of any long-term behavioral issues that would reduce adoptability. There are also physical dangers to consider–disease can spread rapidly through an overcrowded shelter, straining already limited budgets and resources.

Municipal shelters like the ACC and the SCCAS partner with rescues like Muddy Paws, a New York foster-based rescue. Muddy Paws works with foster parents throughout the city and is currently seeking to expand into the outer boroughs as well as New Jersey and Connecticut. Amanda Russo, the Director of Programs at Muddy Paws, notes that the number of available foster homes has also decreased this year.

Why Is Intake Going Up and Interest Going Down?

The fear was that once people returned to the office, their pandemic pets would be returned to the shelter–but this fear has largely proven baseless. The truth is more complex.

The most often cited reason for surrendering a pet is the threat of homelessness. The ACC reports that the number one cause for giving up a pet is landlord issues. As eviction moratoriums expire and housing costs skyrocket, people are forced to choose between keeping their pets and staying housed.

On the other end of the adoption/foster process, fewer homes are available because people’s priorities have understandably shifted. As the city opens back up, people are more interested in travel, in pursuing activities outside of the home, or are in the middle of career or location changes. Adding a pet into the mix, even on a temporary basis, is put on hold for the time being.

With that said, fostering is still extremely valuable. The ACC welcomes all interested foster parents, especially those capable of housing and caring for large-breed dogs. Foster-based rescues can provide education and resources for interested foster parents, as well as free training sessions for behavioral issues. 

How Can You Help?

The Animal Care Centers of New York need foster homes as well as volunteers who can handle large-breed dogs. Beyond that, share the ACC’s outreach efforts on social media to attract a larger audience. On a more local level, don’t be afraid to reach out to neighbors who might be struggling to keep their pets.

Muddy Paws is searching for foster homes in New York, looking specifically for homes in outer boroughs that can accommodate dogs that are struggling to adapt to the city. They also accept donations of money, toys, food, and other supplies, and have an Amazon wishlist.
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter reminds people that cannot foster, adopt, or volunteer to invest their efforts in reminding their neighbors that municipal shelters are a community resource invested in keeping animals homed. Look into any low-cost or free spay/neuter or vaccination programs, donate whatever you can, and encourage people to take advantage of what your local shelter can provide.