Consideration of the Relationship between the Companion Animal Adoption Process and the Occurrence of Abandoned Animals

As the companion animal market has grown rapidly, social awareness of affection for animals and animal protection has also developed rapidly. However, as a result, various social problems (unethical puppy mills, conflicts between companions and non-companions, increase in abandoned animals, dog bite accidents, etc.) are occurring. In particular, social costs are increasing due to the increase in lost and abandoned animals, so it is necessary to reduce lost and abandoned animals and promote adoption. However, this problem is not simply a matter of the increase in companion animals. It is related to social problems such as the factory breeding business, the adoption of companion animals without sufficient understanding of companion animals, the perception that abandoned animals are not healthy, lack of guidance in the adoption process, and dissolution of adoption. Therefore, in this review, domestic and overseas cases were compared and necessary improvement measures were found in the process of adopting a companion animal. It is expected that the occurrence of abandoned animals will be reduced by making animal registration mandatory with a built-in wireless identification device. In addition, it is necessary to prevent the impulsive adoption of a companion animal by providing an education system for adopters so that they can adopt with sufficient education and consideration period. It is also important to eliminate prejudice against the adoption of abandoned animals by checking the health of animals under protection from animal shelters. Furthermore, it is necessary to make efforts to lead to the formation of a social community and the promotion of the adoption of abandoned animals by operating an education program that continuously spreads companion culture based on the local community.