There are some very disturbing statistics regarding shelters and companion animals. According to Pet Finder, approximately 8 -12 million companion animals enter animal shelters each year. The very upsetting part is 5 – 9 percent are euthanized. 60% of dogs and 70% of cats. Just writing these statistics really bothers me. It is also surprising to know that intakes are about evenly divided between those relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national figures, percentages can vary from state to state. There are many no kill shelters cropping up all over the country. My wish is that someday, all shelters will be no kill shelters but at this point, that’s unlikely to happen.

• Less than 2% of cats and 15% – 20% percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags or microchips.
• 25% of dogs that enter shelters are purebred.
• Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. 75% of owned pets are neutered.

Thanks again to PetFinder for providing this very valuable information. Go to them for all the information you need on pet adoption.

Providing a good home for these poor animals would be one of the most rewarding things in your life. Take a little of the focus away from yourself and give a shelter animal a good home. Instead of shopping for clothes, mobile devices etc., shop for dog beds, dog or cat food, dog treats, dog and cat toys. You’ll be glad you saved a life.

Remember, your pets count!

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