Reality of Amount of Dogs Being Put Down Due to Shelter Overcrowding Is Heartbreaking

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Yahoo
By: Eve Vawter
Published: Feb 20, 2024

Every year, hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats enter animal shelters for various reasons. Shelters are overcrowded, understaffed, and in desperate need of volunteers, funding and donations. Not to mention animal adoptions.

According to animal advocacy group Shelter Animals Count, shelter and rescue populations in the U.S. have surged by 900,000 overall since January 2021, and more than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in 2023, marking a five-year peak.

USA Today reports that nearly a million more pets are crowding the nation’s animal shelters and facilities compared to three years ago, with more dogs than cats euthanized last year for the first time since one major animal advocacy organization began tracking those figures in 2016.

Shelter Animals Count , an Atlanta-based nonprofit founded in 2012, reported more than 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters and rescues in 2023, marking the fourth consecutive year of overpopulation and adoption rates insufficient to meet the challenge. Consequently, other animals are being turned away.

This means that all shelters across the US are experiencing an ongoing capacity crisis and some shelters have even had to resort to euthanizing animals due to overcrowding.

As awful as this information is, there are ways any animal owner or lover can help. Most importantly? Have you pet spayed or neutered, and if you are able, consider adding a dog or cat to your home.

Things To Consider Before Adopting a Dog

Adopting a dog, especially a dog that has spent weeks or months in a shelter, if an absolutely wonderful thing to do. But there are many important factors to take into consideration before you add a fur baby to your family, and they can include things like how much time do you have to spend with a dog? Do you work long hours? If you are gone most of the day it may be a good idea to adopt an older dog instead of a puppy who needs frequent attention and bathroom breaks.

Where you live. A larger dog may need a yard or close access to a park so they can have room to run, where a smaller dog may be better suited to apartment living.

What grooming requirements a dog has. Are you willing to shell out money for monthly grooming appointments or do you want a shorter hair breed dog who can do with the occasional bath?

Do you want a more playful dog, a dog that follows commands well, or a lazy dog? The AKC is such a wonderful resource for information on so many different dog breeds. You can also ask shelter volunteers what they would suggest for the best type of dog for your family. We are sure they’d love to match you with your forever friend.

If you are interested in donating, volunteering, or adopting your own cat or dog, please check with your local animal rescue, breed specific rescue, or Humane Society.