Nova Iguaçu reports 9% of adopted pets returned to shelters
In 2026 the municipal animal‑protection agency (SEMDEPA) in Nova Iguaçu, Brazil, found that six of the 67 dogs and cats adopted through twelve municipal campaigns were returned to shelters – a return rate of about 9 percent. The agency says the figure highlights the need for prospective owners to assess their routines and capacity before adopting. One of the returned animals, a mixed‑breed dog named Nala, was adopted in March and sent back three months later because the new owners said she barked excessively.
SEMDEPA secretary Marcelo Reis stressed that pre‑adoption interviews are essential to match pets with families prepared for long‑term care. The municipality, which has placed over 360 animals in homes since 2023, will hold its 13th adoption campaign on Saturday, featuring Nala among the available pets.
Entities: Catia Viana · Marcelo Reis · Nala · Nova Iguaçu · Nova Iguaçu Municipality · SEMDEPA · SEMDEPA (Secretaria Municipal de Defesa e Proteção dos Animais)
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The return rate of adopted pets in Nova Iguaçu in 2026 was about 9%. (SEMDEPA data)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nala, a mixed‑breed dog rescued in January, was adopted in March and returned three months later. (SEMDEPA report)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Since 2023, more than 360 animals have been placed in homes through Nova Iguaçu's adoption program. (SEMDEPA data)
- [● 3 SOURCES] SEMDEPA secretary Marcelo Reis said pre‑adoption interviews are essential to ensure suitable homes for pets. (SEMDEPA spokesperson)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Protector Catia Viana rescued Nala and has partnered with SEMDEPA for a year. (SEMDEPA report)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Six of the 67 dogs and cats adopted in Nova Iguaçu in 2026 were returned to shelters. (SEMDEPA data)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nova Iguaçu held twelve municipal pet adoption campaigns in 2026. (SEMDEPA data)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 13th municipal adoption campaign is scheduled for Saturday, with Nala available for adoption. (SEMDEPA announcement)