Every cat or dog who dies as a result of pet overpopulation—whether humanely in a shelter or by injury, disease, or neglect—is an animal who, more often than not, would have made a wonderful companion, if given the chance.
The Humane Society of the United States pet overpopulation estimates:
- Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year: 6-8 million
- Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year: 3-4 million
- Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year: Between 600,000 and 750,000 -- 30% of dogs and 2-5% of cats entering shelters
- Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred: 25%
What can YOU do to help reduce pet overpopulation?
- Spay or neuter your companion animals.
- Adopt from an animal shelter or rescue organization. Don't support puppy mills by buying from a pet shop. (Read one organization's efforts to stop pet shops from selling dogs obtained from puppy mills.)
- Volunteer or donate to rescue groups and animal shelters.
- Educate others about the reality of puppy mills and the benefits of spaying/neutering.
Click below to watch a video about the pet overpopulation crisis. (Warning: Contains graphic images.)
Information taken from Brightlion and HSUS.
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