Netherlands sees surge in abandoned pets; other countries follow same trend

The Netherlands has seen a significant rise in abandoned and stray animals for the second consecutive year.

According to a survey by Stichting DierenLot, a Dutch animal care foundation, 48% of animal aid organizations reported an increase in surrendered animals this year, following 54% reporting the same in 2023.

Financial and time constraints are the main reasons for abandonment, with cats, rabbits, rodents and dogs being the most commonly given up pets.

Nearly 7 out of 10 organizations (67%) state that the number of dumped and stray animals has increased since last year.

A global trend?

According to the non-profit organization Shelter Animals Count, 3.1 million cats and dogs entered U.S. shelters in the first half of 2024, a 4.8% decrease from 2023. However, 4% fewer adoptions took place compared to the previous year.

Despite a 5% drop in euthanasia rates, many U.S. shelters are struggling with overcapacity. For instance, the Las Vegas Animal Foundation has housed over 100 animals daily since May.

Shelters in Iowa City, such as the Cedar Rapids Shelter and the Animal Care and Adoption Center, have also been operating at full capacity. As of late August, the latter was housing 79 cats in a facility with a capacity of 85 and 23 dogs in a space designed for 25. Additionally, it has outsourced the care of 79 cats to foster volunteers.

In Egypt, pet abandonment has risen due to inflation, particularly the rising costs of pet food and veterinary services. According to Mohamed Saif, the Secretary-General of the Veterinary Syndicate, Egypt has approximately 30 million stray dogs on its streets.

Local shelter volunteers have noticed an increase in pet abandonment since the pandemic.