Animal welfare organisation TEARS Animal Rescue has raised concern over the growing number of dogs being returned to shelters after spending years in family homes, warning that the trend is placing an emotional and financial strain on both animals and shelters.
According to TEARS, many of these dogs arrive back traumatised and confused, unable to understand why the people they trusted are no longer there. “For a dog, being returned is devastating,” the organisation said. “They don’t understand moving, divorce or busy schedules — they only know they’ve been left behind.”
Rising Pressures on Shelters
Each returned dog occupies a kennel that could have housed a stray in urgent need of rescue. TEARS staff report that the impact can be severe: some dogs stop eating, others pace and bark endlessly, while others shut down completely. The rehabilitation work achieved during their first adoption often unravels within weeks.
Why Dogs Are Returned
While unavoidable circumstances such as illness, death in the family, or financial hardship are sometimes behind the decision, TEARS says too many returns are due to lack of preparation. Common reasons include:
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Families underestimating the commitment required.
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Puppies surrendered when their behaviour becomes difficult.
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Owners giving up after failing to seek training or support.
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Dogs being treated as accessories rather than lifelong companions.
Preventing the Cycle
TEARS emphasises that responsible adoption starts long before a dog leaves the shelter. The organisation runs several programmes aimed at reducing returns and supporting pet owners, including:
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Free sterilisations and subsidised medical care to ease financial pressures.
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Two mobile clinics that deliver healthcare and advice directly to under-resourced communities.
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Educational outreach to prepare families for the realities of pet ownership.
These interventions, TEARS says, not only improve animal welfare but also strengthen community health, in line with the World Health Organization’s One Health approach.
A Call for Commitment
TEARS is urging potential adopters to do thorough research before taking a dog home and to see adoption as a lifelong promise. “Adoption is not a transaction — it’s a vow,” the organisation stressed. “For the dogs, there is no plan B. We are their whole world.”
The organisation encourages those struggling with pets to seek guidance rather than return them. Support is available through TEARS’ clinics, trainers, and community networks.
For more information or to support TEARS Animal Rescue, visit www.tears.org.za.
