Before You Surrender: Secure Your Dog's Future by Understanding the Options
- Holly DeLeon
- Oct 27
- 11 min read
Many pets face an uncertain future every day, yet hope remains with organizations stepping in to help.
Life throws us curveballs. We understand that sometimes circumstances change in ways we never expected, and you may find yourself wondering if you can still care for your dog. At Highland Lakes Canine Rescue, we see the heartbreak on both sides of the surrender process, and we want you to know that surrendering your pet should always be a last resort, not a first option.
Before you make this difficult decision, let's talk about why keeping your dog home matters, what's really happening in shelters right now, and the alternatives that might help you and your best friend stay together.
The Reality of Shelter Surrender: What the Numbers Tell Us
The statistics paint a sobering picture of the current shelter crisis. In 2024, approximately 5.8 million animals entered shelters across the United States, with dogs and cats split nearly evenly between the two populations. While adoption rates remain steady at around 57% for dogs, this means that hundreds of thousands of dogs don't make it out of shelters alive.
Even more concerning is what happens once dogs enter the system. About 607,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2024, including roughly 334,000 dogs. The "live outcome" rate for dogs (meaning they were adopted, returned to their owner, or transferred to another organization) dropped from 55% in 2019 to just 50% in 2024. In other words, one out of every two dogs that enters a shelter faces an uncertain future.
Perhaps most heartbreaking is that large dogs are staying in shelters longer than ever before, sometimes waiting months for adoption while taking up precious space that shelters desperately need. Many shelters are so overwhelmed that they're stacking kennels and operating at capacity levels that were never intended, creating stressful environments for the animals in their care.
Why Are People Surrendering Their Dogs?
Understanding the reasons behind surrender can help us address them. Let's look at the data.
The Top Reasons for Dog Surrender:
Housing Issues (14.1%) - This is the number one reason dogs are surrendered. Rising rent costs, difficulty finding pet-friendly housing, breed restrictions, and landlord policies create impossible situations for many dog owners.
Financial Constraints (7-10%) - The cost of pet ownership has skyrocketed. Since 2019, veterinary care and grooming costs have increased by 42%, while pet food and supplies have surged by 22%. When families are struggling to pay their own bills, expensive vet visits or unexpected medical emergencies can feel overwhelming.
Owner's Death or Health Crisis (10%) - When a beloved owner passes away or becomes seriously ill, family members may feel unable to take on the responsibility, especially if they already have pets or live in no-pet housing.
Behavioral Issues (7.8%) - Dogs exhibiting aggression or other challenging behaviors are often surrendered, though many of these issues can be resolved with proper training and support.
Too Many Animals (16.1%) - Sometimes owners find themselves with more animals than they can properly care for, often due to unplanned litters or taking in strays.
It's crucial to understand that about 75% of animals are surrendered due to human circumstances, not because of anything the dog did wrong. These are often good dogs whose families are facing temporary challenges that might be solvable with the right help.
The Emotional and Practical Impact on Your Dog
Surrendering a dog isn't just dropping them off at a new location. It's a traumatic experience that affects them deeply. Dogs form powerful bonds with their families, and suddenly losing their home, their people, and everything familiar causes significant stress and anxiety.
When you consider surrender, it's important to understand what your dog will experience. Dogs don't understand why they've been left behind. They can't comprehend that you're facing financial hardship, that your landlord won't allow pets, or that you're dealing with a personal crisis. All they know is that the family they loved and trusted is gone, and they're suddenly in a frightening, unfamiliar place.
In a shelter environment, even the most well-adjusted dogs can develop behavioral problems due to stress, fear, and overstimulation. The constant barking, the smell of other animals, the lack of personal attention, and the disruption to their routine can cause:
Increased anxiety and fear-based behaviors
Regression in house training
Depression and loss of appetite
Difficulty trusting new people
Reactive or aggressive behaviors that didn't exist before
These stress-induced behaviors can make dogs less adoptable, creating a heartbreaking cycle. A dog who was friendly and well-behaved at home may appear aggressive or shut down in a shelter, dramatically reducing their chances of finding a new family.
Large dogs face particular challenges. They eat more, require larger living spaces, cost more to care for, and face more breed restrictions in housing. These factors mean large dogs often wait the longest for adoption and face the highest euthanasia rates.
Why Keeping Your Dog Home Is Worth Fighting For
Your dog doesn't just live in your house... they're part of your family. The bond you share provides benefits that extend far beyond companionship.
For Your Dog:
They remain in a familiar, loving environment where they feel safe
They maintain their established routines, reducing stress and anxiety
They continue to receive individualized attention and care
They avoid the trauma of shelter life and the risk of euthanasia
For You:
Dogs provide emotional support during difficult times and may be your greatest source of comfort when you need it most
The companionship and unconditional love they offer can be crucial for mental health
Walking and caring for your dog encourages physical activity and routine
Your dog is already trained to your household and bonded with your family
For the Shelter System:
Every dog that stays home is one less animal competing for limited shelter space
It frees up resources for dogs who are truly homeless with no other options
It allows shelters to focus on animals with the greatest need
Alternatives to Surrender: There Is Help Available
Before you make the difficult decision to surrender your dog, please know that there are resources and solutions that might help you keep your companion home. Here are practical alternatives to consider:
Financial Assistance
The rising cost of pet ownership is one of the most common reasons families consider surrender, but it's also one of the most addressable. With the right resources and planning, many financial obstacles can be overcome without resorting to giving up your dog.
Veterinary Care Help:
Many areas have low-cost veterinary clinics that offer discounted services
Organizations like the Pet Fund, Brown Dog Foundation, and RedRover provide financial assistance for emergency veterinary care
Some veterinary offices offer payment plans for major procedures
Local animal welfare organizations may have funds available for spay/neuter services and basic veterinary care
Food and Supplies:
Pet food banks operate in many communities, providing free food to families in need. These programs understand that temporary financial hardship shouldn't mean losing a beloved companion.
Contact local animal shelters, as many run pet food pantry programs open to the public
Some churches and community organizations distribute pet food alongside human food assistance
Ask your veterinarian if they have samples or know of local resources for pet food assistance
Consider reaching out to breed-specific rescue groups, as they sometimes maintain funds to help owners of their particular breed stay together
Housing Solutions
Housing challenges represent the single largest reason for dog surrenders, but there are more options than many people realize. The key is being proactive, persistent, and creative in your approach.
Finding Pet-Friendly Housing:
Use specialized search tools and filters on major rental sites to specifically locate properties that accept dogs
Contact property management companies directly, as their pet policies may be more flexible than what's advertised online
Look for individual landlords rather than large apartment complexes, as they often have more flexibility in their pet policies
Consider offering to pay a higher security deposit or monthly pet rent to make accepting your dog more appealing to landlords
Provide references from previous landlords about your responsible pet ownership and your dog's good behavior
Create a "pet resume" highlighting your dog's training, vaccinations, good behavior, and include photos that show your dog in the best light
Propose a pet agreement or trial period to demonstrate your dog's good behavior
Behavioral Support
Training and Behavior Help:
Many behavioral issues can be resolved with professional training. Contact local trainers who may offer payment plans or sliding scale fees.
Online training resources and YouTube channels provide free guidance for common behavior problems
Contact your local shelter or rescue organizations as they may offer low-cost behavior consultations
Consider whether your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation, as boredom often causes destructive behaviors
Temporary Solutions
Short Term Care:
Community fostering networks can help connect you with someone who can temporarily care for your dog while you navigate a crisis
Ask friends or family members if they can provide temporary housing for your dog
Some shelters offer temporary boarding for people in emergency situations
Rehoming Directly:
If you truly cannot keep your dog long-term, consider rehoming them yourself rather than surrendering to a shelter. This approach allows you much more control over who adopts your dog.
Use services like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com to safely find a new family through a structured process
Post on local community Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or other social media platforms where you can vet potential adopters
You can screen potential adopters thoroughly, ensure a good match, and provide complete information about your dog's needs and personality
Direct rehoming keeps your dog out of the shelter system entirely, avoiding the trauma and risks associated with shelter life
Consider doing a trial period where the new family spends time with your dog before making the final commitment
Be honest about any behavioral quirks or medical needs so the new family is fully prepared
Crisis Specific Resources
Life's emergencies don't discriminate, and they shouldn't mean automatic separation from your pet. Numerous organizations exist specifically to help people and their pets stay together during the most challenging times.
Domestic Violence:
Many communities have programs specifically for pets of domestic violence victims
Organizations like Dogs Matter provide temporary foster care for pets while owners seek treatment or transition into recovery
Red Rover's Safe Housing program helps domestic violence survivors and their pets escape abuse together
Medical or Personal Crisis:
If you're facing hospitalization, rehabilitation, or a temporary life disruption, look into temporary foster programs in your area
Some rescue organizations offer foster-to-adopt programs where your dog stays in a foster home while you work to regain stability
Family members or friends may be willing to help for a defined period if they know it's temporary
Be upfront about your timeline and needs so people can plan accordingly
Understanding the Bigger Picture
When you're struggling with the decision of whether to surrender your dog, it's easy to feel isolated and ashamed. You might think you're the only one facing these challenges, or that you've somehow failed your pet. The truth is far different.
Millions of pet owners face difficult circumstances every year. The difference between those who surrender and those who don't often comes down to knowledge of available resources and asking for help before reaching a crisis point. There's no shame in needing assistance. What matters is being willing to explore every option before making an irreversible decision.
It's also important to remember that shelters and rescues, including HLCR, genuinely want to help keep pets in their homes. We're not here to judge your circumstances or make you feel guilty. Our mission is to reduce the number of homeless animals, and the best way to do that is by preventing surrenders in the first place. Every call we get from someone exploring alternatives is a success, even if we ultimately can't solve every problem.
The bond between you and your dog took time to build. That relationship has value that extends beyond the current crisis you're facing. Your dog knows you, trusts you, and loves you unconditionally. They've been there through good times and bad. Before breaking that bond, give yourself the chance to explore every possible solution. You might be surprised at what's available when you reach out for help.
What to Do Right Now
If you're considering surrendering your dog, please take these steps first:
Reach out for help - Contact your local animal welfare organizations to discuss your situation. They may have resources or solutions you haven't considered.
Be honest about your challenges - There's no shame in struggling. Whether it's finances, housing, behavior, or something else, there are people and organizations who want to help keep pets and families together.
Give yourself time - Unless you're facing an immediate emergency, take a few days to explore your options. The more time you have, the better the outcome for everyone. Decisions made in panic or desperation rarely lead to the best results.
Make a plan - If you ultimately decide that rehoming is necessary, work with professionals to find the best possible new home for your dog rather than making a quick surrender. Your dog deserves a carefully considered transition, not a hasty decision.
Our Commitment to You
At Highland Lakes Canine Rescue, we're here to help, not to judge. We understand that life happens, and we know that the people who contact us about surrender are often heartbroken and feeling like they have no choice.
Our goal is to keep dogs in loving homes whenever possible. Before accepting a surrender, we want to work with you to explore every alternative. Sometimes a small amount of help at the right moment can make all the difference between a dog losing their home and staying with the family who loves them. We've seen it happen countless times, where a simple resource connection or a temporary assistance program meant a family could stay together.
If you're facing a difficult situation with your pet, please reach out to us. Let's talk about what's happening and what resources might be available. You and your dog have been through so much together. Let's see if we can help you through this challenging time as well. We have connections throughout the community and knowledge of resources that might not be widely known. Even if we can't solve the problem directly, we can often point you in the right direction.
Surrendering vs. Abandonment: The Legal Consequences
Under the Texas animal cruelty law, the term “abandon” is defined as abandoning an animal in the person’s custody without making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person. Abandoning an animal is specifically addressed under the cruelty to non-livestock animals. For cruelty convictions involving abandoning an animal, the defendant will be punished with a Class A misdemeanor, which may include a fine up to $4,000, jail time up to a year, or both. If the conviction is a third offense, the state may punish the defendant with a state jail felony. Under Texas law, a state jail felony may include jail time ranging from 180 days to 2 years and a fine up to $10,000.
Courtesy of Texas Humane Network
“A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:[…](4) abandons unreasonably an animal in the person’s custody...”
Remember: Your dog didn't give up on you during your best times together. Don't give up on them during your hardest times. There is help available, and we're here to guide you to it.
If you need assistance or want to discuss alternatives to surrender, please contact Highland Lakes Canine Rescue. We're here to help keep families and their dogs together whenever possible.
Resource Guide
Financial Assistance in non-basic, non-urgent care (cancer treatment, heart disease, etc.)
Fostering & aftercare for pet owners in recovery (Dallas area)
Emergency veterinary assistance
Grants & assistance for housing pets of domestic violence survivors
Financial Assistance for Veterinary Care
A safe way to find a new home for beloved pets
Free or low cost local pet support services like vet care, food pantries, temporary pet care, and more
Promoting humane treatment of animals through education, training, & outreach
Sources
Shelter Animals Count. (2024). "2024 Data Report: National statistics on U.S. animal shelters."
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). (2024). "Pet Statistics: Animal sheltering facts and figures."
Best Friends Animal Society. (2024). "Pet Lifesaving Dashboard: National shelter statistics and trends."
The Zebra. (2024). "The Cost of Pet Ownership in 2024: Survey findings on pet care expenses."
American Pet Products Association (APPA). (2023-2024). "National Pet Owners Survey: Pet ownership statistics and trends."
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