Abandonment of pets, especially dogs and cats, remains a troubling trend driven by careless choices and a wishful denial of responsibility. Each abandoned animal ends up as a victim of human inconsideration, paying the price for decisions made in haste.
Adoption rates show a notable rise. A 44% increase in dogs and a 35% rise in cats occurred in the aftermath of the pandemic, according to data from the National Association of Pet Food Manufacturers. The numbers reveal a steady climb in pet ownership that accelerates as time passes, underscoring a shift in household dynamics and the role pets play in family life.
Today, across Spain, roughly nine million dogs and six million cats share homes with people, while fish populations sit at around eight million. These figures illustrate the scale of human-animal companionship and the ongoing demand for responsible ownership and welfare solutions.
In Galicia, about 300,000 people live alone, and the rise in pet ownership has been notable. A portion of the population adopted animals while in isolation for health reasons, highlighting how social circumstances can influence attitudes toward animal care.
A local protector noticed a growing enthusiasm for keeping pets at home. Families were drawn to the companionship and loyalty offered by dogs and cats, prompting a shift away from shelters toward home-based care and the belief that animals can enrich daily life.
Campaigns against animal abandonment in the 1980s and 1990s faced the challenge of aging imagery and lingering stereotypes. The famous trope of the dog left at a gas station during a family vacation persisted in public memory, yet the reality on the ground was harsher and more complex, calling for updated, compassionate approaches to animal welfare.
The ideal animal for a child is not what it seems
Headquartered in Coirós, a prominent shelter in the A Coruña region has observed a slower uptake in adoptions during the pandemic’s surge, despite repeated warnings. The idea of giving a pet as a Christmas gift is increasingly questioned, since living beings resist being treated as commodities and deserve thoughtful consideration before bringing them into a home. Pets are sentient beings with needs, not ornaments for holidays or impulse purchases.
The shelter emphasizes that animals should not be treated as gifts or transactions. They require ongoing care, socialization, and commitment from the people who welcome them into their lives. This perspective aligns with modern welfare standards that stress long-term responsibility over short-term excitement.
The shelter leadership stresses that the rise in abandonment is troubling and appears to be concentrated among recently adopted animals, especially puppies and kittens. They report that many adoptions result in a return when new owners realize the ongoing duties involved, rather than a simple, painless transition. A steady stream of formerly adopted pets ends up back in shelters, adding emotional strain to both the animals and the staff who work to rehome them.
Locals and volunteers note that many animals are rehomed into unfamiliar environments, surrounded by new pets and people who do not yet understand their histories or needs. The emotional toll becomes evident in the animals that return fearful, withdrawn, or stressed, with changes in appetite and behavior that reflect their unsettled state.
One staff member described the impact vividly, explaining that returned animals may hesitate to eat or explore, their eyes reflecting deep fear. Each return involves an adjustment period, a reset of trust is required, and the home environment must be rebuilt with patience and sensitivity. These stories highlight the emotional cost of impulsive decisions and the lasting effects on animal welfare.
Reasons offered for returns range from allergies to changes in living arrangements. Yet, in many cases, the underlying issue is a mismatch between expectations and practical realities. Some households do not fully grasp what it takes to care for a living being, and as a result, the burden falls on the animals who had trusted their new families to provide stability and care.
There are memorable cases that underscore the human-animal bond. A family once asked a guardian to keep a pet after a change of heart, showing affection and daily routine, only to face a moment of parental frustration a few years later when the decision was finalized to part with the animal. These stories prompt a broader reflection on social responsibility and the true meaning of unconditional love, which asks for nothing in return but care and respect for the animal’s welfare.
Beyond individual pain, these episodes prompt society to examine how communities support pet owners. The goal is to foster environments where animals are welcomed with long-term plans, not merely as spontaneous purchases. The focus is on creating stable homes, proactive adoption education, and resources that help people understand what responsible pet ownership entails, from veterinary care to daily routines and behavioral training.
Ultimately, the goal is to minimize suffering and ensure that every animal experience is rooted in empathy and accountability. The overarching message is clear: animals deserve homes where their lives are valued, their welfare protected, and their guardians prepared to meet their needs with steadfast commitment and kindness. This is the standard that communities should aspire to uphold, turning compassion into lasting, tangible care rather than fleeting, self-centered impulses.