GAWS details reasons for pet surrenders

Geelong Animal Welfare Society has revealed reasons behind people surrendering their pets, with the shelter overflowing with animals needing homes.

A decline in dog adoptions is putting strain on the Geelong Animal Welfare Society and staff, resources and animals.

GAWS has about 50 dogs in its care, with cats and small pets also overflowing, and many animals waiting months to be adopted.

The organisation has seen a significant change in the reasons for dog surrenders in the past financial year.

There was an increase in owner homelessness, not having suitable accommodation

and animal’s separation anxiety.

There was also an increase in animals being rescued from neglectful situations compared to previous years.

The number of people surrendering animals to GAWS because they could no longer afford to care or feed them peaked in 2021.

Animal attendant Brooke Pender with Samson the 9 year old Alaskan malamute cross that has been with GAWS since mid July. Picture: Mark Wilson

GAWS chief executive Helen Cocks saidthe increase in those reasons for surrendering could suggest two main issues – combined economic and housing pressures of the past three years leading to displacement of people and pets, and deprioritising of pets; as well as workers returning to offices and travel, meaning animals no longer have the full attention of individuals and families.

“We are sad for the people, their pets and the circumstances that lead them to surrendering, and we will always support by way of accepting animals into our care for rehoming, rather than having pet owners and their pets struggling,” Ms Cocks said.

“There is no judgment when pet owners surrender.”

Ms Cocks said while there was a similar amount of dogs coming in compared to previous years, they had more complex training needs and so were staying longer before being adopted to their forever homes.

“This means we are running at capacity, with many dogs in GAWS’ care for an increased length of stay being prepared for rehoming,” Ms Cocks said.

Ms Cocks said similar to the reasons why people were surrendering, people might be putting off adopting a pet due to the rising cost of living, property restrictions and lack of time to spend with an animal.

“For those who are in a position and would love a furry companion, we hope they can consider adopting from GAWS,” she said.

GAWS has joined forces with other Victorian animal welfare organisations in ‘Mission Adoptable’ – a campaign to find forever homes for as many animals as possible across the state.

The Moolap shelter is offering reduced adoption fees until October 9.

For dogs, excluding puppies, medium/large adult dogs are $200 (usually $360); small/toy adult dogs are $250 (usually $460) and senior dogs are $90 (usually $100).

Cats (excludes kittens and special breeds) are $69 for adult cats (usually $120) and senior cats $45 (usually $50).

Rabbits are $90 (usually $120) and $120 for a pair.

For more information, visit gaws.org.au.

Originally published as GAWS details reasons for pet surrenders