SPCA supports keeping people and their companion animals together, whenever it is possible, appropriate and in the best interests of both the animal and person to do so, and considers this should be a priority for the animal welfare community and for society as a whole.

Poverty, increased cost-of-living, structural inequality, and age-related issues create obstacles to access veterinary and pet services similar to the challenges and barriers to accessing healthy food, education, jobs, health care and housing. Many of the reasons for relinquishment are short-term challenges that may be resolvable with supportive services; research shows that people would choose to explore safety net options when they are made aware of them and given proper support.

The rising cost of living has impacted shelters and pounds, resulting in slowing of adoptions, reduced foster capacity, and increased length of stay for animals in their care. The shelter environment is inherently stressful for animals and increased length of stay is associated with increased risk of health and behavioural problems. Getting animals into foster and adoption homes is important for the welfare of these animals.