STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Millions of stray animals enter U.S. shelters annually, but adopting a pet can make a difference.
More than 6 million stray cats and dogs arrive at U.S. animal shelters each year, according to the ASPCA. While it’s impossible to know the exact number of homeless pets nationwide, estimates suggest there could be as many as 70 million.
Unchecked breeding contributes significantly to this overpopulation problem. A fertile cat can have two litters per year with up to six kittens each, while a dog may produce six puppies annually. Spaying and neutering, done by owners or shelters, help control these numbers.
Shelters take in a nearly even split of cats and dogs. The ASPCA reports euthanasia rates have declined as more people adopt from shelters – around 4 million cats and dogs each year. Reunifications are up, too, with over 800,000 lost pets, primarily dogs, returned to owners annually thanks to tags and microchipping.
Adoption is usually cheaper than buying from a breeder, often covering initial vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and sometimes microchipping. The Humane Society of the United States notes many adoptable pets are already housetrained. Some cities offer additional subsidies, and adopted animals may come with discounts for training and supplies. Petfinder estimates annual costs of pet ownership at $500 or more.
