Evaluation of Risk Factors for Companion Animal Abandonment and Rehoming in Chile

The abandonment and rehoming of companion animals are major welfare and public health concerns globally, including in Chile, where sociocultural and economic factors influence human-animal relationships. This study identified key causes of abandonment and rehoming in Chile and their links to animal behavior and the human-animal bond. An online survey targeting adult Chilean residents who had lived with companion animals was distributed via social media from October 2021 to November 2023. A total of 576 people responded, providing sociodemographic data and coliving experiences. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used. Results showed 22.0% had rehomed a companion animal and 3.5% had abandoned one. Dogs were the most frequently rehomed (62.2%) and abandoned (56.5%), with most relinquished under seven years old. Top reasons for rehoming were lack of space (28.3%), behavioral problems (16.2%), and relocation (12.1%). Behavioral issues (36.6%) and family conflicts (22.0%) were the main triggers for abandonment. Moreover, 41.0% reported family conflicts due to pets. These findings reveal the complex role of behavior, household dynamics, and socioeconomic factors in animal abandonment.