The number of dogs surrendered or abandoned in Victoria, Australia is placing a strain on animal welfare organizations, even as national surrender numbers have decreased in recent years. More than 3,000 dogs were euthanized across Victorian facilities in 2024, often due to behavioral concerns or unsuitability for sale.
Rising Surrender Rates and Euthanasia
Organizations like Starting Over provide foster care for animals, with volunteers housing pets until permanent homes are found. In 2025, Starting Over reported taking in over 1,500 dogs and approximately 300 puppies born during foster care.
Melissa McCarthy of the North Melbourne Lost Dogs Home emphasized the importance of being prepared for the financial and lifestyle changes that come with pet ownership. A common reason cited by people surrendering pets is “no longer willing or able to look after them,” often due to financial pressures or a change in lifestyle.
Financial Costs of Pet Ownership
- The first year of dog ownership averages $4000, with approximately $2520 in annual costs thereafter.
- The annual cost of cat ownership is around $1656.
- Rehoming an animal is often a last resort for owners and can be a heartbreaking decision.
According to an RSPCA spokesperson, families struggling financially are often forced to rehome their pets. Volunteer Mogielski, who has worked with animal welfare organizations for nearly 15 years, noted that pet surrender and abandonment has long been a hidden issue.
“A lot of people don’t want to think about it … most normal people, they don’t understand the problem. They don’t see it,” she said.
Challenges in Finding Homes
Mogielski is currently fostering Peridot, a four-year-old dog, and her six puppies. While the puppies will begin weaning at six weeks and be ready for adoption by eight weeks after mandatory medical procedures, older dogs like Peridot may face greater difficulty finding permanent homes, as adopters often prefer younger animals.
Mogielski, who also cares for three other adult dogs and four of her own, stated, “We do our best to squeeze them all in… It’s worth it in the end. I won’t stop, ever. I enjoy it too much.”
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