Shelter Facts

Fact: On average, 64% of the animals taken into shelters nationwide are euthanized.

Shelter workers have to make life and death decisions on a daily basis.  They have dedicated their lives to finding loving homes for abandoned, neglected, and abused animals.  The sad reality is, there are simply not enough homes for the millions of animals surrendered to shelters each year.  Many animals have to be euthanized simply because of "lack of space".

Fact: Every day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in this country while only 10,000 people are born.

This means there are 7 puppies and kittens born for every human baby -- EVERY DAY!  As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. As a result, every year 4 to 6 million animals are euthanized because there are no homes for them.

Fact: Animal overpopulation has reached a crisis point in this country.

The only way to help is to make sure your pets are spayed and neutered.  Spaying reduces the risk of breast cancer in female dogs.  Neutering reduces the risk of prostate and testicular chances in male dogs.  So, not only will the overpopulation issue be addressed, it's healthier too!

Fact: The majority of the animals in shelters are not "problem" animals. 

The animals available for adoption have been picked up as strays or taken from the owner for abuse, or neglect. They are truly in need of a loving home and are greatly appreciative for a second chance at life.

Fact: 30% of all dogs in shelters are "purebred" dogs.

Having "papers" is not a reason for breeding your dog.  Remember, for every home found for a dog that is bred, one is lost for a dog in the shelter.

Paws 4 Thought:

How Could You?