Rising waitlists at Dyrenes Beskyttelse shelters in Denmark as dog surrenders increase

A year ago, each of the nine animal shelters run by Dyrenes Beskyttelse had four or five people waiting to surrender their dogs. Now, that number has increased to 20-30 at each shelter. Karina Fisker, the head of the shelters, expressed concern over the rising waitlists, indicating that there are more people needing help than usual.

So far this year, 584 dogs have been surrendered to Dyrenes Beskyttelse, similar to last year’s figures. However, the organization notes that the waitlists are growing longer as more individuals look to part with their pets. The peak of dog ownership in Denmark occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, with numbers peaking at 79,122 in 2021, compared to 63,009 in 2019. Since then, registrations have declined, reaching 60,390 in 2023.

Many of the dogs bought during the pandemic have since been returned, but the current situation involves dogs that are typically one to two years old. This age often coincides with behavioral issues that emerge during what is referred to as “teenage” years, requiring more effort from owners.

Fisker warned that some people underestimate the commitment required to care for a dog. Responsibilities, like training and proper care, can become overwhelming for some owners. She advises potential dog owners to research specific breeds and consider whether they align with their lifestyle and activity levels.

When owners decide to surrender their dogs, the shelters hold honest discussions to understand the challenges faced. They aim to find new homes that can effectively address these issues. Fisker estimates an additional 300-400 dogs will be surrendered this year, resulting in a significant demand for support.