Shelter Crowding Leads to High Euthanasia Rates for Dogs

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OneGreen Planet
Published: February

In recent years, shelter populations across the United States have surged. Homeless dogs and cats are filling shelters, while lower numbers of adopters can give them new homes. Sadly, this has led to rising euthanasia rates in recent years. While both dogs and cats are at critical risk for euthanasia in overcrowded shelters, 2023 was a particularly bad year for homeless canines.

According to data from Shelter Animals Count, an animal advocacy group dedicated to helping shelter animals, more than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in 2023. Additionally, 330,000 cats were euthanized during the same time frame. This marks the first time since the organization began keeping records in 2016 that more dogs have been euthanized than cats.

Overcrowding contributes significantly to high euthanasia rates. Shelters and rescues are only able to care for so many animals at one time. Often, high numbers of unwanted pets mean that shelters are stretched to capacity and cannot care for more animals. To create space, animals who are not adopted within a certain time frame may be euthanized. Some shelters may also euthanize animals who are very injured, sick, or deemed “unadoptable”.

While it is easy to blame high euthanasia rates on shelters, it is important to remember that these facilities are often operating with limited resources. Without adopters, there is only so much that they can do. Nevertheless, despite rising numbers of surrenders, shelters across the nation continue to advocate for the animals in their care.

Some of this advocacy has been successful. For example, cat adoption rates have climbed. This has led to a reduced euthanasia risk for cats entering shelters. However, dog adoptions have declined slightly, despite a climbing population of shelter dogs.

Although 4.8 million dogs and cats were adopted from U.S animal shelters in 2023, there are still millions of animals waiting for a new home. The situation appears particularly dire for dogs. Shelter experts say that they were shocked that dog euthanasia rates surpassed those of cats.

To help reverse the shelter overpopulation crisis, people who are looking to welcome an animal companion into their home should prioritize adopting. Shelters and rescues are full of dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments. Shelter staff are generally happy to assist potential adopters in finding the perfect fit for their family.

Many shelters and rescues also run programs that may assist people who would otherwise need to surrender their dog or cat. Shelters may be able to assist in finding pet-friendly housing, have food banks, or provide low-cost veterinary care. If you want to help shelter animals but are unable to adopt, consider fostering, volunteering, or donating.