PET ADOPTIONS FALL AS SURRENDERS HOLD STEADY, NEW REPORT FINDS

Cost of living is a likely factor behind hesitancy to adopt a pet

Australia’s animal rescue sector is facing a complex mix of pressures, marked by fewer pets entering shelters and foster care, alongside a decline in pet adoptions and steady surrender rates.

That is the picture from Companion Animal Network Australia’s July 2024 to June 2025 Impact Report, which consolidates data from five member agencies.

CANA reports that dog and cat surrenders were broadly unchanged year on year, slipping by a modest 6 per cent. With fewer animals entering the system overall, adoptions fell by 17 per cent.

The charity points to the cost of living as a likely factor behind hesitancy to adopt, while noting emerging positives such as pet-friendly rental reforms and more aged care facilities allowing animals.

“When pets stay in homes where they are loved, that’s the best outcome for everyone. At the same time, we recognise that cost-of-living pressures are making some families think twice before taking on the responsibility of a new pet,” said CANA CEO Trish Ennis.

“This year’s data points to fewer animals being abandoned – a trend we hope reflects positive change potentially driven by pet-friendly rental reforms, more aged care facilities allowing pets, and improved education around responsible pet ownership.”

Support for pets in aged care is a bright spot. CANA’s Pet Friendly Aged Care program saw survey participation double compared with 2023, with 68 per cent of Australians saying people in aged care should be able to own a pet.

Ms Ennis said the response underscores a community desire to keep older people connected to their animals, though gaps remain in staff training and facility policies.

CANA has made formal submissions urging the inclusion of pet-assistance services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

In June, the group welcomed Victoria’s Retirement Villages Amendment Act, which prevents villages from imposing rules that “unreasonably limit the keeping of a pet on a resident’s premises.”

CANA also worked with the Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control to develop resource kits for residential aged care homes.

“In collaboration with ACIPC, we developed resource kits for residential aged care homes, which are already having a positive impact by helping facilities accommodate people and their pets,” said Ms Ennis.

“Aged care is an area where we know there is much more work to do,” Ms Ennis said.

“The human–animal bond is vital for health and wellbeing, with studies showing dog owners may have up to a 40% lower risk of developing dementia.

"That’s just one example of the extraordinary benefits pets bring. CANA will continue working with aged care providers, government and the community to expand options for older Australians to keep their pets by their side.”

Rescue trends remain challenging. More than half of cats arriving at member services are under six months old, reflecting the ongoing strain of kitten season and the need for affordable early desexing.

Dogs and cats come into animal rescue services in almost equal numbers, but cats dominate adoptions, making up 60%.

"At the same time, 61% of dogs come in as strays, and dogs are seven times more likely than cats to be reunited with their families, proof of how vital identification and microchipping are!” said Ms Ennis.

Reasons behind surrenders point to persistent housing hurdles, cost pressures, changing life circumstances and behaviour issues.

Looking ahead to 2025–26, CANA lists four priorities: promoting desexing education to prevent unwanted litters, advocating for a national ban on greyhound racing, expanding education and training for pet owners and their animals, and collaborating with aged care stakeholders to widen options for seniors to live with and keep their pets.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our members and the support of the community and our corporate sponsors, real progress is being made,” Ms Ennis said.

“But there is more to do to ensure every Australian can experience the benefits of companionship and the joy of animals, regardless of their circumstances.”