Record Dog Surrenders at Denver Animal Shelter in 2025
The Denver Animal Shelter recorded 634 dog surrenders in just 138 days of 2025, a staggering 237% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2019. This translates to nearly five dogs surrendered daily, surpassing the total surrenders of 544 from 2019 weeks ago. The trend marks a significant shift from the steady decline in surrenders observed from 2018 to 2020, with a notable spike occurring during the pandemic in 2021. Residents attribute the rise to escalating pet care costs, with one commenter noting a veterinary visit price increase from $150 to $330. The situation has sparked discussions on social media about responsibility in pet ownership and the financial implications of caring for pets.
Local officials may need to implement strategies to address this growing issue and support pet owners in Denver.