The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region sees a 43% increase in pet surrenders

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- This year, The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) has seen a 43% increase in owner surrenders in both cats and dogs compared to last year. The Director of Marketing and Communications at HSPPR, Colette Bradley, said far fewer pet owners were surrendering their animals in 2021.

"During the pandemic, we were able to transfer animals from other parts of the country and help out other shelters seeing an increase in animals and help them by taking them in and adopting them out here in our communities," Bradley said.

Bradley said there is no clear data that concludes why there is an increase now, but they said it's an emotional and personal decision for pet owners.

"They might be moving to a place that isn't pet friendly. They might be going through a tough time financially. They might be experiencing homelessness. There are a lot of reasons why there are not able to keep a pet. We just want to be there for the pet and the person as best as we can," said Bradley.

Bradley said if a pet adoption is not working out for any reason, HSPPR will take that pet back. She said they would much rather pet owners bring them in than abandon the animal.

"If it's not working out with you, we can certainly re-home that pet with someone else," said Bradley.

She said they do everything they can to help pet owners.

"We do everything we can to provide resources to keep your pet with you. That's obviously the best scenario for everybody, we look at organizations to see what they can do to help as well. We do everything we can. Sometimes it's just not enough and owner surrender seems to be the result," said Bradley.

For more information on pet surrendering, click here.