Woodford County, Kentucky – Several animal shelters in Kentucky are facing a significant increase in pet surrenders due to ongoing housing issues. The Woodford Humane Society reported that rental inflation and restrictive apartment policies are the primary factors behind this trend.
According to Beth Oleson, Marketing Director at the Woodford Humane Society, people are often forced to give up their pets when they experience rising rental costs or eviction. “Issues with housing have been the number one cause for people to surrender a pet for a really long time,” Oleson stated. However, the nature of these issues has shifted. Previously, lack of planning when moving was the main reason for surrenders. Now, many individuals find themselves priced out of their homes or experiencing homelessness, resulting in pets being given up.
Specific apartment regulations are also contributing to the surge in surrenders. Some apartments have restrictions on dog sizes, charge high fees, or ban certain breeds altogether, leading to longer stays for dogs at adoption centers. “We’re built to hold about 28 dogs and we routinely have, you know, 35, 40 at this point,” Oleson said, emphasizing that they are currently at 121% capacity for dogs.
To address the issue, Oleson advised potential adopters to carefully consider the financial commitments involved in pet ownership. “The cost of vet care, the cost of food, everything has gone up in the last few years,” she cautioned. For those already owning pets, setting aside funds for ongoing expenses is crucial.
Despite the overcrowding at shelters, Oleson stressed that surrendering a pet can be a responsible decision in difficult circumstances. “It’s okay to give up your pet when you’re in that situation; we want people to know that this is a safe place,” she said.
Similarly, the Clark County Animal Shelter is experiencing an uptick in surrenders, particularly due to evictions and homelessness. In response, they are promoting the Team Kentucky Eviction Diversion Program, which offers financial assistance for late or future rent and relocation vouchers. More information about qualifying for this program can be found on their website.
