Pet Overpopulation

Animal Rescue Associates, Inc.

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Pet Overpopulation

Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year: 3-4 million

Only sixteen percent (16%) of owned dogs were adopted from animal shelters

Only fifteen (15%) percent of owned cats were adopted from animal shelters

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Every day in the United States, thousands upon thousands of puppies and kittens are born due of the out of control breeding of pets. Add to that number the offspring of stray and abandoned companion animals, and the total becomes even more staggering. Every year, between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters; some three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them.

Too many companion animals competing for too few good homes is the most obvious consequence of uncontrolled breeding. However, there are other equally tragic problems that result from pet overpopulation: the transformation of some animal shelters into "warehouses," the acceptance of cruelty to animals as a way of life in our society, and the stress that caring shelter workers suffer when they are forced to euthanize one animal after another. Living creatures have become throwaway items to be cuddled when cute and abandoned when inconvenient. Such disregard for animal life pervades and erodes our culture.

Solving the Pet Overpopulation Problem

The solution is simple. Its implementation, however, requires sweeping efforts from a variety of organizations and people, including you.

Only by implementing widespread sterilization programs, only by spaying and neutering all companion animals, will we control pet overpopulation. Consider the fact that in six short years, one female dog and her offspring can give birth to hundreds of puppies. And, in seven years, one cat and her young can produce hundreds of kittens. learn more>

For more information on what to do with stray cats: learn More>

There are many options regardless of the resources in your area. The choice for you and the cat you find under your porch will depend on the cat, your interest, local laws, local resources, and the specific location. We encourage you to do something. Doing nothing accomplishes just that: nothing.