A Retrospective Analysis of Senior Dog Adoption Patterns and Acquisition Sources in Belgrade (2010–2024)

Senior dogs represent a vulnerable population among companion animals, often affected by age-related health conditions, behavioral changes, and cognitive decline. Despite these challenges, patterns and sources of senior dog adoption remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to identify adoption channels and examine associations with demographic characteristics of adopted senior dogs in Belgrade, Serbia. A retrospective analysis was conducted using a structured web-based survey (N = 375), including owners who had adopted senior dogs across three five-year periods (2010–2014, 2015–2019, and 2020–2024). Data on time of adoption, acquisition channels, and canine demographic characteristics (breed type, size, and sex) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, adjusted standardized residuals, and Cramer’s V. Within the study sample, the largest proportion (35%) originated from municipal shelters, whereas the smallest proportion (15%) comprised stray dogs adopted directly from public spaces. Significant associations were identified for breed type (p < .001, V = .22) and source of adoption (p < .001, V = .21). Post-hoc analysis indicated increased representation of mixed-breed dogs (z = 4.22) and acquisitions from previous owners (z = 4.95), alongside a decrease in the proportion of municipal shelter adoptions (z = −3.26) in the final study period. In contrast, size (p = .408) and sex (p = .894) did not show significant variation. These findings indicate changes in acquisition pathways, with increasing prominence of informal rehoming networks. The decreasing proportion of shelter-based adoptions within the sample, despite the expansion of shelter capacity, may inform future research and the development of evidence-based rehoming strategies for senior dogs.

Cite this article as: Racić, M., Stepanović, P., Nenadović, K., Vučićević, M., & Vučinić, M. (2026). A retrospective analysis of senior dog adoption patterns and acquisition sources in belgrade (2010–2024). Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 52, 0022, doi: 10.5152/actavet.2026.26022.