Common Questions About Shelters

 

 

How many animals enter animal shelters each year? And how many are euthanized? 
The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. 
Why are there so many animals in animal shelters?
Low adoption rates are one factor driving the high number of animals in shelters, but every year, millions of dogs and cats  are relinquished by their owners,or rescued from the streets by animal control officers and private citizens,and brought to animal shelters. These circumstances leave shelters and rescue groups with a large number of animals in need of homes. 
How long are animals held at an animal shelter before being adopted or euthanized? What factors affect those decisions?
Most animal shelters have no set time limit for holding an animal. In the vast majority of shelters, decisions about adoption and euthanasia are based on factors that include the temperament and health of the animal, and the space and resources available to humanely house and properly care for the animal.