Exploring the Relationship Between Human Social Deprivation and Animal Surrender to Shelters in British Columbia, Canada.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies identify owner-related issues, such as cost and housing, as common reasons for relinquishment of companion animals to animal shelters. It is likely that the burden of surrendering for owner-related reasons falls on those who are socially vulnerable (e.g., low income, unemployed); however, very few studies have assessed social determinants as a predictor of animal relinquishment. The present study used the Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation (CIMD), which uses four factors of social vulnerability (Ethnocultural Composition, Economic Dependency, Residential Instability, and Situational Vulnerability) to predict risk of surrender for various reasons, of various species and breeds, and of various health statuses across British Columbia, Canada (n = 29,236). We found

SUBMITTER: Ly LH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8006318 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature