Austria’s shelters halt holiday pet adoptions to curb impulsive surrenders
Animal shelters in Austria are facing a rise in pet surrenders as lifestyles shift after the pandemic. Many people adopted animals during lockdowns, only to return them months later. Now, welfare groups are urging potential owners to think carefully before bringing a pet home—especially during the holidays.
The festive season often brings a spike in pet adoptions, but shelters warn against impulsive decisions. Tierschutz Austria, the country’s largest animal welfare organization, keeps its doors open over Christmas to offer advice. They also run a strict adoption process, including interviews, home checks, and multiple visits to ensure a good match.
Fenja, another welfare group, takes a similar approach. They pause adoptions entirely from December 20 to January 7 to stop pets from being given as gifts. Both organizations stress that adopting an animal is a long-term responsibility, not a quick fix for loneliness. Many surrendered pets were adopted during the pandemic, only to be returned within three to six months. Tierschutz Austria and Fenja agree: every dog deserves a chance, but only with the right owner. Their thorough checks aim to reduce future surrenders and promote responsible pet care.
The message from shelters is clear: adopting a pet requires careful planning. With more animals being returned after the holidays, welfare groups are tightening their processes. Their goal is to ensure every adoption is a lasting one, not just a seasonal impulse.
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