EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso Animal Services says it has already received more owner surrenders this fiscal year than it did during all of the previous fiscal year, as some families face job loss, financial strain and housing restrictions.

Data provided to KFOX14 by El Paso Animal Services shows the shelter recorded 1,146 owner surrenders from September 2024 through August 2025.

From September 2025 through July 2026, the shelter recorded 1,246 owner surrenders, 100 more than the entire previous fiscal year — with one month still left to be counted.

Michele Anderson, a spokesperson for El Paso Animal Services, said many owner-surrender requests are connected to financial and housing challenges.

“People are losing their jobs, or losing their homes, or they’re having to move into cheaper housing, and a lot of times those cheaper housing [options] don’t allow pets,” Anderson said.

The rise in owner surrenders is adding to demand for kennel space at the main shelter in Northeast El Paso. Anderson said El Paso Animal Services receives between 50 and 70 animals each day, including stray animals.

The shelter reported total animal intake rose from 23,242 in 2024 to 25,092 in 2025.

Destiny Venecia reports on El Paso Animal Services says owner surrenders are outpacing last year, straining kennels (Credit: KFOX14)

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Anderson encouraged pet owners to seek help before deciding to surrender an animal. The agency’s Community Pet Support Program provides pet-friendly housing information, financial-assistance resources, pet-food help, behavior resources and rehoming guidance.

“We don’t want a pet to come into the shelter if they don’t have to,” Anderson said. “We can guide you through a rehoming process [and] help you find a new home for your pet.”

The Borderland Animal Welfare Collaborative also offers free pet food pantries at libraries across El Paso.

More information about available assistance is available through El Paso Animal Services’ Pet Support and Resources page.

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