The Pet And Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) in Chatham-Kent is dealing with a long list of dogs waiting to be surrendered.
The non-profit is currently over capacity, with all foster parents also housing dogs. This leaves over 20 dogs waiting for their time with PAWR.
Myriam Armstrong, the executive director of PAWR, told CK News Today the waitlist for surrenders has never been this high.
She said it's impossible to pinpoint a single reason for the increase, although the current trade war between Canada and the U.S. is playing a part.
"We do get some people who say they can't afford to take care of their animal, but I would say it's probably only 20 per cent of people who surrender their dogs," explained Armstrong.
She believes the main reason why so many dogs are being surrendered is that too many people are making spur-of-the-moment decisions.
"People are buying or adopting animals on a whim, not thinking 15 years ahead," added Armstrong.
She's encouraging anyone planning on getting a dog to do their research beforehand. This includes a deep dive into the breed they want and whether they have enough space to properly house them.
PAWR isn't having the same issue with cats as they are with dogs.
Armstrong said they have plenty of space for cats, and this time of year is typically full of adoptions.
"We have way more cages for cats than we have for dogs; they obviously take a lot less space... unless you get a 30-pound Maine Coon," she laughed.
Anyone looking to adopt a dog or cat can visit PAWR's website.