{"id":60077,"date":"2025-11-07T14:39:30","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:39:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelaker.ca\/?p=60077"},"modified":"2025-11-07T14:39:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:39:30","slug":"for-dogs-like-isla-getting-adopted-not-easy-according-to-shelter-pet-adoption-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging-z.thelaker.ca\/?p=60077","title":{"rendered":"For dogs like Isla, getting adopted not easy according to shelter pet adoption report"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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DARTMOUTH:<\/strong> For dogs like sweet Isla, she has the odds of getting adopted stacked against them. That’s according to newly released data in the 2025 Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many pets find homes quickly, dogs like Isla, a loving Siberian Husky mix,\u00a0 face significantly tougher odds of adoption due to their size and other factors, leading to heartbreakingly long shelter stays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isla is 26kg of love and affection<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She’s been under the care of Nova Scotia SPCA sporadically since 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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According to newly released data in the 2025 Hill\u2019s Pet Nutrition Canada State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report,<\/a> the odds are stacked against her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report reveals that only 17% of people are likely to adopt a large dog, significantly lower than cats (48%), medium dogs (37%), and small dogs (39%). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isla can be a little nervous around new people and animals, and has a few medical needs. These factors, combined with her size, make her adoption journey particularly challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The silver lining? One in four Gen Z and Millennial Canadians (25%) are likely to adopt a large dog, compared to only 10% of Gen X and Baby Boomers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This younger demographic represents a key opportunity for dogs like Isla. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the report underscores that the overall cost of pet ownership (57%) and veterinary care (72%) are significant deterrents for potential adopters.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Isla also struggles with allergies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help encourage Isla\u2019s adoption and address potential cost concerns, Hill\u2019s Pet Nutrition will provide a year\u2019s worth of specialty Hill\u2019s Prescription Diet food for her future adopter.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This science-led nutrition will ensure Isla is happy and healthy in her well-deserved new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hill’s Pet Nutrition<\/a> is a global leader in science-led nutrition and animal welfare advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research in the report they released, which provides insights from a nationally representative group of 500 current and prospective Canadian pet owners, offers a comprehensive understanding of consumer perceptions and behaviors around pet adoption, and a comparative analysis to American data trends.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Hill’s Pet Nutrition 2025 Canada State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report Cover<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The brand new report aims to identify pathways for change and serves as a valuable resource to Canadian animal welfare organizations and professionals, as well as animal advocates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From cost concerns to the nuanced emotional journey of adopting a pet, the report insights highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to help more pets find and stay in loving homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The findings from our first Canada State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report<\/a> are crucial for understanding the unique landscape of pet adoption here,” said Frances Cheslo, RVT, Shelter Engagement Manager, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It’s clear that while Canadians love pets, the perceived and actual costs, particularly for veterinary care, are major deterrents to shelter adoption.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Key findings from the report include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n