Kentucky animal shelters see more surrenders due to rent inflation

WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – Several Kentucky animal shelters say recent issues with housing have caused a spike in surrenders.

Marketing Director Beth Oleson at Woodford Humane Society tells us a common reason people surrender their animals is due to rental inflation or specific apartment rules.

“Issues with housing have been the number one cause for people to surrender a pet for a really long time,” Oleson says.

But, Beth Oleson says the housing issues causing people to surrender their animals have changed. She says, previously, the issues were due to a lack of planning when moving between rental properties.

Now, they have to do with rent inflation.

“We are seeing more people who have either been priced out of the rental housing that they’re in where their pet was allowed. Or who have become homeless and have had to surrender their pets because their situation is just completely unstable,” Oleson says.

Oleson says another issue is specific apartment rules that may not allow large dogs, charge higher fees, or don’t allow restricted breeds, like bully mixes.

A lot of those dogs come to the adoption center and stay for a long time.

Right now, the Humane Society’s adoption center is booked.

While they don’t have a hard capacity number for cats, Oleson says they are currently at 121% capacity for dogs.

“We’re built to hold about 28 dogs and we routinely have, you know, 35, 40 at this point,” Oleson says.

To prevent more surrenders and overcrowding at the facility, Olsen says it’s important to consider all finances if you don’t already have a pet and are planning to adopt.

“The cost of vet care, the cost of food, everything has gone up in the last few years,” Oleson says.

She says if you already have a pet, be sure to set aside money for their expenses.

Despite overcrowding issues, Oleson wants folks to know, “it’s okay to give up your pet when you’re in that situation, you know, we want people to know that this is a safe place.”

The Clark County Animal Shelter says they are also seeing more surrenders because of evictions and people becoming unhoused.

They are sharing information about the Team Kentucky Eviction Diversion Program The program can pay late and future rent, provide emergency relocation vouchers and help you stay in your home. You can find out if you qualify on their website.

Copyright 2024 WKYT. All rights reserved.