Pet Relinquishment

Although data vary widely on specific numbers, millions of dogs and cats are relinquished to shelters annually. Species and/or breed-specific genetic predispositions, though normal, are not always adaptable to the urban domestic environment and may lead to the development of undesirable behaviors. Similarly, negative experiences or the lack of positive experiences during sensitive periods of development can also contribute to the development of undesirable behaviors. A weakening of the human-animal bond occurs when owners perceive their pets’ behavior as undesirable (Fig. 1).

Problem behaviors can also negatively affect the animal’s welfare. Behavior problems are cited as the primary reason for relinquishment of dogs (40%) and the second most common cause for cat relinquishment (28%).4 Findings associated with relinquishment to shelters included the following4,5:

The general practitioner can play a pivotal role in helping to decrease relinquishment resulting from behavioral problems. Recognizing the common issues that contribute to the demise of the human-animal bond and relinquishment allows the practitioner to implement a preventive behavioral plan of care for his or her clients. Through education, preventive behavioral advice, and early identification of potential behavioral concerns, the veterinary staff can maintain and enhance the human-animal bond, thus decreasing the rates of relinquishment and euthanasia.

Signs of urgent behavior problems:

• There is significant damage to the human-animal bond; the owner is at his or her “wits’ end” or is afraid of the pet. Regardless of the severity of the behavior, the owners’ inability to tolerate the pet’s behavior indicates that the pet may be close to being relinquished if immediate assistance is not provided.

• There is a risk of injury to the pet, other animals, or people. This scenario would include a dog suffering from severe separation anxiety who escapes the home by breaking out of a kennel and jumping through windows, or a cat that is unpredictably aggressive toward the owner and causing physical injury.

• The owner is unable to identify and/or avoid triggers for the behavior. The pet may be in a constant heightened state of arousal or vigilance, affecting the pet’s welfare; a dog that paces aimlessly or a cat that hides under the bed for most of the day. Another example would be a dog or cat that is attacking the other resident pet in the home without an identifiable or preventable trigger.

Providing Immediate Assistance

The client may contact the veterinarian on the phone or mention the behavior concerns, in passing, at the conclusion of an appointment. It is difficult to obtain an adequate behavioral history and address behavioral concerns within the confines of a 15- to 20-minute appointment. It is important to let the client know that their concerns are valid and that help is available. It is necessary to schedule an appropriate amount of time to address the client’s behavioral concerns or offer a referral to an appropriate behavior professional.

Medical Problems with Underlying Behavioral Issues

Patients may present with medical conditions that are influenced by...