Three Things to Know
Canadian dog rescuers are primarily motivated by a desire to save vulnerable dogs but also aim to address the global dog overpopulation crisis by redirecting people away from breeders.
Challenges include emotional and financial stress, as well as difficulties in building local partnerships. Dog rescuers also advocate for stricter industry regulations to reduce the stigma they face.
Dog rescuers feel a strong sense of duty towards adopters and Canadian society. This sometimes leads them to impose tough requirements on their overseas rescue partners, such as additional temperament and medical checks.
The Full Picture
The practice of international dog rescue in Canada has been controversial. While over 6,000 dogs found new homes through these efforts in 2013, concerns about disease risks, ethical implications, and illegal dog importation have also arisen. This is particularly complex as 3,000 shelter dogs are euthanized annually and northern communities often cull dogs to manage the free-roaming dog populations.
This study, titled ““It’s my calling”, Canadian dog rescuers’ motives and experiences for engaging in international dog rescue efforts”, explores the motivations of Canadian dog rescue organizations for importing rescue dogs to Canada, as well as the challenges they face and their beliefs about responsible practices.
Study Methods
Nine individuals in leadership roles (called participants hereafter) within Canadian dog rescue organizations were interviewed between September 2021 and March 2022. The interviews explored participants’ motivations, challenges, beliefs about responsible practices, and experiences with public perception and government regulations.
Study Results
The findings are organized into three major themes: Motive, Challenge, and Duty.
1. Motivation
The participants were primarily driven by a humanitarian desire to save vulnerable dogs, particularly puppies and seniors, from euthanasia. In many countries, overcrowded shelters lead to high euthanasia rates, making international rescue organizations a lifeline for these dogs. Participants found immense emotional satisfaction in rescuing dogs from such dire situations and providing them with a second chance at life.
Beyond individual dogs, participants believed in the broader humanitarian benefits of international dog rescue. They saw it as a way to address the growing demand for dogs in Ontario by reducing reliance on unethical sources. Additionally, they were motivated to respond to global crises like those in Afghanistan and Ukraine, emphasizing the interconnectedness of animal welfare issues worldwide.
Participants believed that international dog rescue could contribute to global animal welfare by addressing the root causes of dog overpopulation, such as irresponsible breeding and lack of spay/neuter programs. By rescuing dogs and raising awareness about these issues, they hoped to inspire positive change on a global scale.
2. Challenges
Participants faced significant challenges, including emotional stress, financial constraints, and the stigma associated with international dog rescue. The emotional toll of witnessing animal suffering often led to compassion fatigue and burnout, making it difficult to recruit and retain staff. Financial constraints, including the costs of transportation, veterinary care, and foster care, posed a constant challenge due to reliance on donations and fundraising.
One of the most significant difficulties was managing adopter expectations. Participants expressed concerns about prospective adopters displaying unrealistic expectations regarding rescue dogs’ behavior and care needs. This often stemmed from the participants’ deep emotional connection to the dogs and their desire to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Building local rescue partnerships was challenging for many participants. Logistical difficulties in transporting dogs from northern regions, high veterinary costs, and the complexities of fostering sensitive relationships with local communities created obstacles. Some local shelters were resistant to working with smaller international rescue organizations. Participants emphasized the importance of building trust and collaboration with local partners to develop a more sustainable and effective approach to animal welfare.
Another barrier faced by participants was the negative stigma associated with international dog rescue. Outsiders often expressed concerns about potential disease transmission or questioned the ethics of importing dogs, to which “well-meaning but not well-educated” rescue organizations added to this stigma. The participants emphasized the need for legislative changes and public education to address these misconceptions.
3. Duty
Participants felt a strong sense of duty to potential adopters, Canadian society, and their rescue partners. They emphasized the importance of responsible practices, including thorough dog assessments, transparency, and ongoing support for adopters.
Temperament assessments, particularly sociability with other dogs, were considered crucial, although not everyone agreed that they are always reliable. In addition, some participants were open to rescuing dogs with aggressive behaviors due to their rehabilitation experience. International rescue organizations relied on their partners to conduct these assessments, as they couldn’t directly evaluate the dogs’ behavior.
Participants recognized the need for transparency and honesty in their work, providing adopters with all necessary information about the challenges and potential risks associated with international dog rescue. They also emphasized the importance of ongoing support to adopters after the adoption process.
To minimize harm to Canadian society, participants highlighted the importance of thorough medical screening and specific rescue dog criteria. Rigorous screening efforts led to a low incidence of disease transmission. Participants also prioritized rescuing local dogs and avoided importing overrepresented breeds to ensure their actions did not detract from local rescue efforts.
Responsible engagement with international partners was another key duty. Participants demonstrated sensitivity and critical awareness in their interactions, ensuring fair and ethical partnerships. By fostering genuine relationships and being mindful of the dynamics at play, rescue organizations could contribute positively to the welfare of dogs and the communities involved.
The study reveals a complex picture of international dog rescue in Canada. While participants were motivated by humanitarian goals, they also faced numerous challenges and expressed concerns about the industry’s practices and public perception. The study highlights the need for further research and collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges and ensure ethical and sustainable practices in international dog rescue.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Canada / Shelter Dogs
Year of Publication:
2024
External Link:
von Rentzell KA, Bratiotis C, Protopopova A (2024) “It’s my calling”, Canadian dog rescuers’ motives and experiences for engaging in international dog rescue efforts. PLoS ONE 19(5): e0300104.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300104