Dogs who end up in rescues because owners expecting baby

Apologies if this is in the wrong section and should have been in the 'general' forum instead.

When I was looking for a dog to rehome, I was really taken aback by how many dogs were needing new homes, owing to the owners expecting a baby.

I heard that reason again and again when I spoke both to rescues and also to people looking to privately rehome their dogs.

I realise that of course there are very genuine cases where the dog really cannot be kept because it would be a danger to the baby.

But can this be the case in ALL the instances where dogs are put into rescues because a new baby is either here OR is expected?

Now I appreciate far more why good breeders do ask prospective puppy owners if the woman/wife is pregnant or hoping to be soon!!!!

It winds me up, can people not see past the end of their nose. They knew when they got the dog there would no doubt come a time in the coming 10 years or so when they would have a child. I had a dog before I had kids but I knew I wouldn't give him up when I decided to have a baby.

Winds me up no end - was talking to someone involved in rescue yesterday in our hunt for dog number 2 and she was saying that it's probably the number 1 reason that they get rehoming calls.

There's one lovely dog I saw up for homing in my endless perusal of the rehoming websites - greyhound who "looked at the baby funny"... FFS!

It really gets to me at times - same with cats, cats theyve had for years suddenly, when babies due, become ferocious monsters.

Sometimes i think its just an excuse to get rid of the animal. Its filled a need prior to baby & once baby on way or arrives the animal becomes a casualty

Well im due in 4 weeks and all 3 dogs and 3 cats are staying put. But the number of people that have told me to get ri is crazy.
ATD x

We got our 2 dogs because the consultant advised the previous owners to rehome ALL animals. Their new-born baby was very ill though and had a 7 hour lung operation so I think there are some genuine cases.

I think you are spot on. It makes me very sad and more than a little angry. I know there are genuine cases - but there are many where the animal has done absolutely nothing wrong!

Just awful

So many people that don't even give the dogs a chance with the baby, just get rid before the baby even arrives. How can people be so cruel. We see a lot of Akitas through rescue for this reason - the truth is Akita's are a fabulous breed to have around children, as are staffies, rotties, GSD's....

I can't wait for my little 2 legged one to arrive and see my dogs mix with him/her

I volunteer for rescue and always ask younger couples whether they are considering having children in the future. On occasion I have had people either quite affronted I have dared to ask such a personal thing, and also others who just can't understand the reasons behind my question -until I explain!

I had dogs prior to having my son, and my GSD bitch is actually a little temperamental around children - she used to detest them (having been badly frightened by some children as a pup). However, she is a lot better now (thanks to socialising her an awful lot with dog-friendly/savvy children). However, there was never any doubt in my mind that she would be staying with me - whether she got on with my son or not ... I would just have to manage the situation. Luckily she is fine with him, but of course I never leave them alone together for any length of time.

There are of course genuine cases where owners really are devastated at having to rehome their dog due to aggression towards the child, or when the child develops a severe allergy etc ... but unfortunately I think far too many people use it as a convenient excuse.

Well said.

Yes I can well imagine that some folk get offended when you ask about their plans for having children.

Most people hopefully are fine with the question once they understand the rationale for your asking it?