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Rising Cost of Pet Ownership Drives Increase in Minnesota Pet Surrenders
Guest Contributor
Across Minnesota, animal rescue organizations are seeing a heartbreaking rise in pet surrenders. Families who once embraced their furry companions are now being forced to let them go, not for lack of love, but due to financial hardship and housing instability. As the cost of living climbs, so too does the strain on pet owners, and the ripple effects are overwhelming shelters and rescues throughout the state.
This surge in pet surrenders has been particularly evident at Ruff Start Rescue, which received over 3,100 surrender applications in 2024 alone—nearly triple the number from 2021. The organization, like many others, simply doesn’t have the capacity to accept every animal. With limited foster homes available, they had to turn away about half of the applicants. The situation reflects a broader crisis in pet ownership, where rising costs and limited resources are forcing difficult decisions.
One example is Stone, a six-year-old white German Shepherd currently in a foster home in Minneapolis. His foster caregiver, Julie Koch, has worked with dozens of dogs through Ruff Start Rescue. Stone was adopted in 2022 but returned in August 2024 after his family lost their housing. Koch emphasized that the decision wasn’t due to behavioral issues. “He didn’t get surrendered because he was a bad dog,” she explained. “He got surrendered because they were having a hard time.”
Veterinary care is one of the primary burdens facing pet owners. According to a Gallup and PetSmart Charities survey, more than half of U.S. pet owners skipped needed veterinary care in the past year, with affordability cited as the main reason. In the Twin Cities alone, an estimated half a million pets may be going without regular vet visits. Dr. Graham Brayshaw of the Animal Humane Society pointed to rising costs—up 38% since 2019—as a key factor. Veterinary bills over $1,000 are not uncommon, and shortages of veterinary professionals have only exacerbated the problem.
In addition to vet care, basic pet supplies like food have also become more expensive. Dog food prices have risen nearly 50% since 2020. For families already struggling to make ends meet, these increases can be insurmountable. Housing is another major barrier. A 2024 study found that more than half of pet owners earning under $50,000 annually face at least one pet restriction in their housing. Many are forced to choose between keeping their pets and securing a place to live.
Koch noted that Stone, who takes anti-anxiety medication, has been especially affected by the instability. His stress manifests in his attachment to a squeaky toy he uses for comfort. Like many pets, frequent transitions have taken a toll on his well-being. Unfortunately, his story is far from unique. The rise in pet surrenders has led some desperate owners to turn to social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor to rehome their pets. However, rescue workers caution against this approach. Meghan Finch-Kleven of Last Hope Animal Rescue warned that people involved in dog fighting sometimes seek out free pets online. She recommends asking for a small fee to deter bad actors.
Despite the challenges, there are efforts underway to support struggling pet owners. The Animal Humane Society operates a helpline that connects people with resources like temporary pet housing, free pet food, and pop-up vaccine clinics. Their income-based clinic model, along with services from Mission Animal Hospital, makes care more accessible for low-income families. These services are in high demand—the helpline fielded around 110,000 calls in the last fiscal year, and the clinic provided 18,000 services, a notable increase from the previous year.
Still, the need far outweighs the available support. Most rescues are at capacity and cannot accept new surrenders. Volunteers and donations help, but what’s most urgently needed are more foster homes. “The main thing all rescues need more than anything is more fosters,” Finch-Kleven said. “We have half the fosters we used to, if not less.”
Affordable, pet-friendly housing could also be a long-term solution. Research shows that when families find housing that accommodates pets, they are more likely to remain there, reducing turnover for landlords and providing stability for both people and animals. Anna Kucera of the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine emphasized that this kind of housing benefits entire communities. “That means that many more families don’t have to choose between securing a place to live and keeping their pets,” she said.
What struck me most was the emotional toll these situations take—not only on the families but also on the animals. Pets like Stone, who bring comfort and companionship, are often the first to be sacrificed when life becomes unstable. Yet, as studies have shown, pets can be a vital source of mental health support, especially for marginalized communities facing economic hardship.
As the cost of pet ownership continues to rise, so does the urgency for systemic solutions. Whether through expanded veterinary access, more foster volunteers, or increased availability of pet-friendly housing, it’s clear that addressing this crisis requires a community-wide effort. For now, rescue organizations across Minnesota are doing what they can—but they can’t do it alone.