Large dogs are disproportionately affected by the U.S. shelter overcapacity crisis, according to a new report released by Hill's Pet Nutrition.
The 2026 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, based on a single-blind survey of 2,000 Americans, found that low pet owner confidence, cost-related concerns and size barriers are driving longer shelter stays for large dogs. According to Shelter Animals Count, a program of the ASPCA, 2.8 million dogs entered U.S. shelters in 2025. Although large dogs accounted for just 26% of intakes, they experienced the longest median lengths of stay and represented the smallest share of total adoptions compared to medium and small dogs.
"The 2026 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report uses data-driven insights to help the animal welfare community identify and quantify the unique challenges affecting large dog adoption," said Meghan Lehman, senior manager of brand engagement for shelters at Hill's Pet Nutrition. "By understanding and identifying the root causes of adoption hesitancy, we can empower the sheltering community to develop effective strategies that reduce barriers and improve outcomes."
Among the report's key findings: Just over a third of Americans surveyed (35%) said they are likely to adopt a large dog, while 19% remained neutral. Confidence emerged as a key differentiator — 89% of respondents likely to adopt a large dog reported feeling confident in handling and caring for one, compared with 33% among those unlikely to adopt.
Financial incentives showed the greatest potential to drive adoptions. Lower adoption fees (34%), free or discounted training (31%) and financial assistance for initial costs (31%) were cited as the top motivating factors.
Generational trends also shaped the findings. Gen Z and millennials were nearly twice as likely as Gen X and baby boomers to consider adopting a large dog from a shelter (30% vs. 16%), but face barriers including higher rates of renting, apartment living and pet-related housing restrictions.
"The challenges facing large dogs in shelters are not isolated to any one community — they are national in scope and require shared understanding," said Jim Tedford, president and CEO of the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. "This report equips shelter leaders with timely, relevant data that can help guide conversations, shape programs, and strengthen outcomes for pets in need."
This is the fourth edition of Hill's annual State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report and the first to focus on a specific segment of the shelter population. Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program has supported more than 16 million pet adoptions and provided more than $300 million worth of Hill's brand pet food to partner animal shelters since 2002.
