Dogs Trust Reports Spike in Pet Surrender Requests Post-Christmas

Dogs Trust has reported a significant increase in requests from pet owners wishing to surrender their dogs following the Christmas holiday. In January 2025 alone, over 300 individuals contacted the charity to give up their pets, representing a 26 percent rise compared to the same period last year. This trend raises questions about the preparedness of potential dog owners and their understanding of the responsibilities involved in pet ownership.

In total, Dogs Trust received approximately 2,800 surrender requests throughout 2025. Upon analysis of these cases, it was found that 20 percent of the surrenders were attributed to families lacking the time needed to care for their dogs. Additionally, 27 percent of the owners cited behavioral issues, which Dogs Trust attributes to inadequate training.

One notable case is that of Ruby, a one-year-old Labrador cross. She was taken in by Dogs Trust after her owner faced a change in work commitments that left them unable to provide proper care. Fortunately, Ruby was placed in a loving foster home, where her new family ultimately decided to adopt her.

Dogs Trust emphasizes that welcoming a dog into one’s life is a long-term commitment. To assist prospective dog owners in assessing their readiness, the charity has created an online quiz titled “Are You Dog Ready?” This resource aims to outline the joys of dog ownership while setting realistic expectations for potential pet owners.

Paulina Padlo, Communications Manager for Dogs Trust Ireland, expressed concern over the number of individuals reaching out for help after acquiring a dog. She noted, “Sadly, we are still being contacted by too many people who have welcomed a dog into their life but unfortunately can no longer care for them.” Padlo acknowledged that while some circumstances may be unavoidable, many owners fail to consider the significant lifestyle changes that accompany dog ownership.

“Dogs are social creatures and want to spend time with their families,” Padlo continued. “They also need continuous training for mental stimulation and to help them become well-rounded dogs, plus a whole lot of love and care.”

For anyone contemplating adding a dog to their family, Dogs Trust strongly encourages taking the quiz available on their website at DogsTrust.ie/DogReady. The charity is dedicated to ensuring that potential dog owners are fully aware of the responsibilities and joys that come with caring for a pet.

The rising number of surrender requests post-holiday serves as a reminder for prospective dog owners to carefully evaluate their ability to provide a stable, loving environment for a dog. As the statistics show, the decision to bring a pet into one’s home should not be taken lightly.