Why Are So Many Animals in Shelters? The Top 5 Reasons—And How We Can Change That
At The Unsheltered Project, our mission is simple: eliminate the need for animal shelters by addressing the root causes of why pets end up there in the first place. While shelters play a vital role in our communities, they were never meant to be the default solution for pet-related problems. The truth is, most of the reasons animals are surrendered or abandoned are preventable—with the right support, resources, and education.
Here are the top five reasons animals enter shelters—and how we can work together to stop the cycle before it starts.
1. Housing Issues (Landlord Restrictions or Moving)
The Problem:
One of the leading reasons people give up their pets is due to housing—moving to a new place that doesn’t allow animals, landlord restrictions on breed or size, or the inability to find pet-friendly rentals.
The Solution:
Advocate for more pet-inclusive housing policies.
Support pet deposit assistance programs for renters who can't afford upfront costs.
Plan ahead when moving—give yourself time to find a place that accepts your pets.
Community organizations can create directories of pet-friendly housing to make the process easier for pet owners.
2. Financial Hardship
The Problem:
Vet bills, food costs, and general care can become overwhelming for families facing economic difficulties, leading them to believe the shelter is their only option.
The Solution:
Expand access to low-cost veterinary care, food banks, and temporary assistance programs.
Promote pet retention funds through local rescues or nonprofits.
Educate pet owners about budgeting for pet care and emergency planning.
Crowdsourced community support networks can step in during crises, helping people keep their pets while they get back on their feet.
3. Behavioral Issues
The Problem:
Pets with destructive or aggressive behavior are often surrendered, but many of these behaviors are the result of fear, lack of training, or misunderstanding.
The Solution:
Offer free or low-cost access to trainers and behaviorists.
Promote early intervention—before behaviors escalate.
Provide pet education programs for families adopting for the first time.
Simple resources like training videos or support groups can empower owners to work through issues instead of giving up.
4. Unplanned Litters
The Problem:
When pets aren’t spayed or neutered, unplanned litters can overwhelm families and lead to puppies or kittens being dropped off at shelters.
The Solution:
Spay and neuter education and outreach is critical, especially in underserved communities.
Mobile clinics and voucher programs can remove cost and access barriers.
Normalize spaying and neutering as a part of routine care, not an optional extra.
Rescues and shelters can offer "spay it forward" programs to help others in the community.
5. Life Changes (Illness, Divorce, Death of Owner)
The Problem:
Unexpected events—like a medical crisis, loss of a loved one, or a major family disruption—can leave pets without someone to care for them.
The Solution:
Encourage pet owners to include their pets in estate and emergency planning.
Build a “pet godparent” culture—a trusted friend or family member who agrees to care for your pet if something happens.
Community foster networks can offer temporary care during difficult transitions.
Raise awareness that shelters should be a last resort, not the first stop.
The Bottom Line
When we shift the focus from reacting to pet abandonment to preventing it, we create a more compassionate, effective system—one where shelters are no longer overcrowded crisis centers, but true safety nets for the few animals who truly need them.
Through education, community support, and a commitment to responsible pet ownership, we can drastically reduce the number of pets entering shelters each year. Tito and I believe in a future where every animal has a home—and we’re here to help make that happen.
Let’s keep pets with the families who love them. That’s how we build a future without shelters.