SURRENDERING PETS TO SHELTERS - THE RELINQUISHERS PERSPECTIVE

The intention of this research was not to justify the relinquishment o f pets to shelters, but to provide a detailed and impartial view of th e relinquisher's perspective. This perspective, as revealed in 38 inte rviews, was contrary to the view of relinquishment that commonly preva ils in shelter cultures; namely, that their decisions are trivial or c asual. These interviews exposed a processes that began long before rel eases were signed and animals were turned over to shelter staff. All o f the individuals and families interviewed struggled with the decision to give up their pets. This struggle often manifested as procrastinat ion, as attachment issues and negative perceptions of shelters were ba lanced against the circumstances threatening the pet's position in the family. Attempts at resolution made by poorly informed pet owners wer e frequently inefficient and consequently unsuccessful. Owners commonl y tolerated circumstances until the reasons for relinquishment overcam e attachment and negative perceptions of shelters.