Dog- and owner-related risk factors for consideration of euthanasia or rehoming before a referral behavioral consultation and for euthanizing or rehoming the dog after the consultation

Abstract The objective of our research was to identify pet-, owner-, and environment-related risk factors for euthanasia or rehoming of dogs presenting to a veterinary behavioral service. In this retrospective clinical study, we examined 302 patient records for dog and owner demographics, presenting complaints, clinical diagnoses, home environment, behavioral and medical history, and disposition of the patient at 3 and 6 months after visit. Data were analyzed for the association of pet-, owner-, and environment-related factors with (A) owners having considered euthanasia before the behavioral consultation; (B) owners having considered either rehoming or euthanasia before the consultation; (C) owners having rehomed or euthanized the dog up to 3 months after the consultation; (D) owners having rehomed or euthanized the dog 6 months after the consultation. In order to individuate the risk factors for rehoming and euthanasia, logistic regression analysis was conducted on pet-, owner-, and environment-related factors significantly associated ( P