Owners Surrendering Pets at Alarming Rate, Says Bergen County Animal Shelter

High Rates of Pet Surrender

Animal shelter officials in Bergen County, New Jersey, are expressing concern over the increasing number of owners giving up their pets. The Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center in Teterboro has been inundated with surrendered cats and dogs, many of which were brought to the shelter after the holiday season.

According to Commissioner Steve Tanelli, many pet owners experience buyer's remorse shortly after acquiring a new pet. The responsibilities of pet ownership often prove to be more demanding than anticipated, leading owners to surrender their animals.

Since Christmas alone, 25 dogs have been given up, while the shelter has seen over 166 pets dropped off since November. Large breeds of dogs are the majority among surrendered animals.

Reasons for Surrender

Shelter manager Bob Bergamini has noticed that pet owners are surrendering their animals due to various reasons. Some individuals are experiencing a change in lifestyle, such as returning to work after the pandemic, which prevents them from providing adequate attention and care for their pets. Others face financial hardships and are no longer able to afford their pet's expenses.

Bergamini also explains that the shelter encounters a significant surge in surrendered cats during the spring and summer months, especially during kitten season. At times, the shelter can have up to 450 cats in its possession.

Despite these challenges, the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center encourages interested individuals to visit the shelter and fill out an adoption application. The staff ensures that potential adopters are a suitable match for the animals and capable of meeting their needs.

How to Adopt

If you are interested in providing a loving home to a shelter pet, you can visit the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center in person or access their website for more information. Prospective adopters undergo a thorough process to determine their compatibility with the animals. The shelter currently has several pets available for adoption, including a husky named "Luke," a husky mix named "Bamboo," and an energetic corgi named "Bear."

One such pet awaiting adoption is a 6-month-old dog named "Luna," who was recently surrendered on January 6. Luna will soon be ready for adoption. To learn more about adopting a four-legged friend or to begin the adoption process, please visit the shelter's website.