An estimated 3.7 million cats and dogs are euthanized in the United States annually. Unlike shelter numbers in the 1960s, far fewer puppies are being put to sleep today. There is a growing demand for puppies in many shelters. As a result, many U.S. shelters bring in dogs from overcrowded shelters in other parts of the country. Thanks to the success of educational programs promoting spaying and neutering, approximately 75 percent of owned dogs in the U.S. are spayed or neutered. Additionally, shelters and rescue groups import several hundred thousand stray puppies and dogs from other countries each year for adoption in the U.S. All of this means that the dogs found in animal shelters today are quite different from those that used to be there.
Many of the Dogs in Shelters Today Are There Because They Are Owner Turn-Ins
The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy lists the top ten reasons people give for surrendering their pets:
- Requests for euthanasia due to illness (7.4%)
- Moving (7.3%)
- Found animal (of unknown origin) (6.6%)
- Landlord will not allow pets (5.3%)
- Owner has too many animals (4.8%)
- Euthanasia due to the animal’s age (4.6%)
- Cost of pet care (4.1%)
- Animal is ill (4.1%)
- Allergies within the family (3.98%)
- House soiling (3.37%)
Other reasons include behavior problems and personal issues, such as divorce, death, and more. This list accounts for about half of the euthanizations in the U.S. Many good pets are euthanized for these reasons.
Some of the most common reasons for owners surrendering their dogs to shelters include housebreaking issues and allergies—both of which are preventable. Any dog can be housebroken, especially if the owner starts training when the dog is a puppy and remains consistent. Some Toy breeds are harder to housebreak, but even they can learn. If you have allergies, it’s essential to do your research before adopting a dog to ensure you select the right breed based on coat and dander requirements. It’s not enough to walk into a shelter and simply choose a dog if you have allergies. You must carefully research which breed and individual dog may be suitable for your situation.
Other common behavioral problems include excessive barking, destroying furniture, digging, chewing woodwork, tearing up carpets, and jumping on people. While these issues can be frustrating, they can be resolved. However, they are often reasons why a good dog ends up on death row in an animal shelter.
A large percentage of the dog population in most shelters is made up of bully breeds, commonly referred to as “pit bulls.” The media has so negatively portrayed bully breeds that many people are afraid to adopt them. Statistics show that mixed breed dogs and Labrador mixes (which are very common) are more likely to be involved in dog bite incidents than bully breeds, but the media sensationalizes stories involving the latter.
Fewer than a quarter of the dogs in animal shelters are purebred. Good breeders carefully screen and match puppies with responsible owners before placing them in homes. They also offer support and advice to owners after adoption, which can prevent some of the behavioral issues that adolescent dogs might develop. Additionally, responsible breeders act as a safety net for their puppies, often willing to take a dog back if the owner can no longer care for it.
Purebred dogs also benefit from the support of purebred rescue programs. If an owner of a purebred dog can no longer keep their pet, they often reach out to a breed-specific rescue organization to help find the dog a new home. As a result, most purebred dogs in need never enter an animal shelter. Each breed typically has its own rescue contacts, and these groups work with animal shelters to ensure purebred dogs are placed in appropriate homes. Information about purebred rescue organizations can be found online.
There are many wonderful dogs in shelters today. Although you may find fewer young puppies than in the past, as more people are taking the importance of spaying and neutering to heart, there are still puppies available in shelters, as well as dogs that are a few months old. Some dogs may have been surrendered by their owners and are now looking for a new home. You can help provide them with a second chance. After all, everyone deserves a second chance now and then.
