Large dogs still face longer waits for adoption, Hill’s says

Big dogs are spending longer in shelters than smaller dogs, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition is arguing that the problem is less about adopter interest than about confidence, cost, and housing barriers. In its 2026 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report: Spotlight on Large Dogs, Hill’s says the survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found 63% of Americans would be likely to adopt from a shelter in the future, and 35% say they’d be likely to adopt a large dog specifically. But national shelter data cited in the report show large dogs still have the longest median time to adoption, at 17 days in 2025, versus 14 days for medium dogs and 10 days for small dogs. Hill’s and its case-study partners point to concerns about food costs, veterinary expenses, physical manageability, and limited living space as the biggest adoption barriers. (hillspet.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the report frames large-dog adoption as both a shelter medicine issue and a practice-level client support opportunity. Hill’s survey found cost of food and veterinary care rank among the top deterrents, while the report also highlights low adopter confidence around handling large dogs. That creates an opening for clinics to support shelters with realistic counseling on preventive care costs, behavior expectations, nutrition, training, and early post-adoption follow-up. The broader shelter backdrop matters, too: Shelter Animals Count says large dogs continue to stay in care longer than other dogs, adding pressure on capacity, and housing restrictions tied to breed, size, and pet fees remain a structural drag on placements. (theaawa.org)

What to watch: Expect more shelters, nutrition companies, and veterinary partners to test fee-waived events, streamlined adoption processes, and post-adoption support aimed specifically at moving large dogs out of long-stay status. (theaawa.org)