Finnish animal shelters report rising surge in dog abandonments as owners give up pets more easily

Finnish animal welfare associations are warning of a growing “dog crisis” as an increasing number of owners surrender their pets at the first sign of difficulty, Yle reports.

Representatives from shelters across Central Finland, South Savo, Southwest Finland, and Uusimaa told the public broadcaster that commitment to dog ownership has weakened significantly in recent years. Many now abandon their dogs when faced with unexpected challenges—such as behavioral issues, time constraints, or veterinary costs—rather than working through the problems.

Minna Monto, foster care coordinator for the national rescue organization Rekku Rescue, described a clear shift in attitudes since the pandemic. “When surprises come up—whether it’s training difficulties or vet bills—people are quicker to give up the dog instead of tackling the issues themselves,” she said. Financial strain has also become a common reason for surrendering pets.

Heli Nousiainen, a long-time volunteer with the Central Finland Animal Welfare Association, noted a polarization among owners: “Some are deeply committed, while others want to abandon their dog at the first hurdle.” She stressed that many dogs live 15 years or more, a responsibility some owners fail to anticipate.

Experts estimate that roughly half of surrender cases could be resolved with support—such as professional training for behavioral problems. Rekku Rescue now fields multiple daily inquiries about rehoming dogs, with shelters in Central Finland and Mikkeli receiving near-weekly requests.

Cultural shift: Dogs treated as disposable
Ate Tervonen, a literary researcher at the University of Jyväskylä who studies human-canine relationships, links the trend to a broader “human-centered” dog culture. “People prioritize their own desires over understanding a dog’s needs,” he explained, calling the phenomenon international. Countries like the UK and US see high rates of dogs entering shelters or being euthanized due to similar attitudes.

Tervonen’s research highlights how dogs are often treated as “products”—bred for trend-driven traits (e.g., Game of Thrones boosting demand for huskies) without regard for their suitability as pets. “A husky in a small apartment with little exercise isn’t a good match,” he noted. Selective breeding for appearance has also led to health problems in many breeds.

Call for responsible ownership
Shelters urge prospective owners to carefully consider the long-term commitment—time, money, and training—required before adopting. “A dog can’t choose its home; humans must ensure they’re ready for the responsibility,” Monto emphasized. Basic training, she added, significantly eases cohabitation.

With rehoming inquiries rising, Monto warned of a looming “dog crisis” mirroring Finland’s long-standing stray cat problem. Volunteers hope the trend reverses as public awareness grows about the lifelong demands of dog ownership.