Metro-east Shelters See Spike in Pet Surrenders Amid Housing Challenges

Organizations provide resources to help owners keep their pets amid rising costs and housing insecurity

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Belleville Area Humane Society has seen owner surrenders of dogs and cats more than double since 2023, with the Metro East Humane Society also reporting a significant increase. Housing challenges, including rental restrictions and homelessness, are the top contributors to the spike in pet relinquishment. Local organizations are working to provide affordable veterinary care, pet food assistance, and behavior training to help owners keep their pets.

Why it matters

The rise in pet surrenders reflects broader socioeconomic challenges facing the region, including housing insecurity, unemployment, and the rising cost of living. These trends put pressure on animal welfare organizations and highlight the need for more community resources to support pet owners struggling to care for their animals.

The details

The Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS) saw owner surrenders jump from 149 in 2023 to 406 in 2024 and 346 in 2025, with the executive director expecting the number to increase further this year. The Metro East Humane Society has also reported a significant rise in surrender requests. Rental restrictions on certain dog breeds and weight limits, as well as the high cost of veterinary care and pet food, are driving many owners to give up their pets.

  • In 2023, BAHS had 149 owner-surrendered pets.
  • In 2024, the number spiked to 406.
  • In 2025, the number was 346.

The players

Savannah McDonald

Executive director of the Belleville Area Humane Society.

Anne Schmidt

Executive director of the Metro East Humane Society.

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What they’re saying

“People are losing their housing.”

— Savannah McDonald, Executive director, Belleville Area Humane Society (The Belleville)

“Animal welfare trends very much are dependent upon socio economic factors like human homelessness, unemployment rates, cost of living, etc. Because of the general climate in our country right now, animal welfare is a really overwhelming place to be. Many people can't afford to care for themselves so caring for a pet is not an option for some, and finding affordable housing that allows pets is very difficult.”

— Anne Schmidt, Executive director, Metro East Humane Society (The Belleville)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.