Large dogs face longer shelter stays as adoption barriers persist

Large dogs are spending longer in shelters than smaller dogs, according to Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s new 2026 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, which draws on a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults and national shelter data. Hill’s says the main barriers are lower adopter confidence, cost concerns, and housing restrictions, even though 35% of respondents said they’d be likely to adopt a large dog. The company’s March 10 announcement also cited Shelter Animals Count data showing that 2.8 million dogs entered U.S. shelters in 2025, and that large dogs had the longest median stays and the smallest share of total dog adoptions. (prnewswire.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the report reframes the large-dog adoption gap as more than a shelter operations problem. Hill’s found that confidence in handling and caring for a large dog dropped from 89% among people likely to adopt to 33% among those unlikely to adopt, while lower adoption fees, discounted training, and help with upfront costs were among the strongest motivators. That creates a practical opening for clinics, shelter veterinarians, and community partners to support adoption through clearer counseling on behavior, preventive care, expected costs, and early post-adoption support. (prnewswire.com)

What to watch: Expect more shelters and veterinary partners to test fee support, training incentives, and adopter education programs aimed specifically at moving large dogs out of kennels faster. (prnewswire.com)