Hard truths show why families give up beloved pets.
Every year, millions of dogs end up in shelters across the United States, and behind each one is a story that reflects the intersection of human lives and canine needs. While many families bring dogs home with good intentions, circumstances shift, challenges mount, and bonds that once seemed unbreakable start to fray. The reasons vary—some are rooted in money, others in behavior, and some in life changes no one anticipated. Studies across decades reveal consistent patterns, and animal welfare groups have been documenting these heartbreaking decisions with growing urgency. Each reason shines a light on a bigger problem.