In the United States, approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter the shelter system each year. Of these animals, 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats. Only about 649,000 of those animals are strays returned to their owners. This number could be higher if more people would microchip their pets.
Only about 2.7 million animals (1.4 million dogs and 1.3 million cats) are adopted/saved each year. I say saved because they are saved from being euthanized - a.k.a. put to sleep, in other words killed.
The sad fact is 31% of the 3.9 million dogs who enter the shelter system are euthanized - killed each year. That fate is higher for the 3.4 million cats - of those 41% are euthanized each year.
One rescue site said one pet every 6 seconds is euthanized. That is 9,000 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens euthanized each day. This is so disturbing to me as an animal lover.
I wanted to do something to help promote adopting homeless pets. My newest adoptee from a rescue is pictured above. Her name is Pippin. She helped give me the idea which I was able to photograph. Please adopt a homeless pet today. They will thank you with unconditional love the rest of their lives.
