2024 marks 30 years SPCA of the Triad has been serving our shared community. Help us celebrate this incredible milestone throughout the year. YOU are the reason we can celebrate 30 years of saving lives.
New Animal Sheltering Data Indicates 6.5 Million Dogs and Cats Entered U.S. Shelters in 2023
Shelter Animals Count (SAC), the most trusted and current source for animal sheltering data, released their Annual Analysis report today, comparing animal sheltering from 2023 to 2022, 2021, and 2019 (pre-pandemic). Download the full report PDF here.
In 2023, more than 6.5 million animals (3.3 million cats and 3.2 million dogs) entered animal shelters and rescue organizations, about the same number as in 2022 and up slightly from 2021. Of these, 48% came in as strays and 25% were surrendered by their owners. Shelters across the country are full and are now entering their fourth year of having too many animals and not enough adoptions—especially for dogs. Because many shelters and rescues are operating at or over capacity, the number of surrenders and overall intake is likely lower than it would be if space were available.
“Of greater concern than the volume of animals entering shelters, even, is the ongoing reality that more animals are entering than leaving, perpetuating this national capacity crisis,” said Stephanie Filer, Executive Director for Shelter Animals Count. “A total of 900,000 additional animals have entered and lingered in our nation’s shelters since January of 2021. That’s nearly a million more dogs and cats on top of the population already residing within organizations.”
Although 150,000 fewer dogs entered shelters than cats, 2023 is the first year since the creation of The National Database in 2016 that the number of dogs euthanized surpassed the number of cats euthanized. Of the total number of dogs and cats euthanized in 2023 (689,000), 359,000 were dogs, and 330,000 were cats. The number of dogs euthanized in 2023 is the highest in the past five years. The total number of animals euthanized was 19% higher than last year’s 582,000.
Overall, non-live outcomes (including death in care, loss in care, and shelter euthanasia) have been on the rise since the start of the pandemic for both cats and dogs, accounting for 850,000 animals. Non-live outcomes account for 11% of outcomes overall, and shelter euthanasia accounts for 9% of intake.
Non-live outcomes for dogs have increased by 24% compared to 2022 (totaling 78,000 more dogs) and have increased by 64% compared to 2021 (totaling 157,000 more dogs).
In 2023, 6,010,000 dogs and cats had a live outcome in their community, including adoption, return to the field, or return to owner. Adoption rates are increasing, especially for cats, with 61% of dogs and cats taken into shelters or rescues leaving through adoption. 2.6 million cats (65% of total intake) and 2.2 million dogs (56% of total intake) were adopted in 2023.
You can become part of the solution to the shelter crisis in 2024 in many ways. Animal organizations urgently request and appreciate community support, asking that people adopt or foster from local shelters or rescue organizations, spay or neuter their pets, and volunteer or donate.
“The crisis shelters are facing does not originate within the shelters,” Filer said. “Shelters need help now more than ever. This is a community problem that requires a community solution.”
Shifting from buying puppies to adopting homeless pets has become increasingly critical to help struggling shelters.
“Opting to adopt from shelters or rescue groups not only saves lives but also sends a much-needed message of support to struggling shelters and their staff,” Filer said. “Adopting a pet is also the most sustainable and socially-conscious choice, which helps alleviate the shelter crisis rather than compounding it."
About Shelter Animals Count (SAC): SAC is a collaborative, industry-led nonprofit organization formed by a diverse group of animal welfare agencies to create and share The National Database of sheltered animal statistics, providing facts and enabling insights that will improve animal welfare throughout the country.
Look What YOU Did in 2023!
Dear Fellow Lifesaver,
The SPCA Of The Triad has been caring for neglected, abandoned and injured animals for 28 years.
Did you know that SPCA of the Triad is a local rescue right here in your community? We are fortunate to partner with other foster-based rescues in the Triad and surrounding areas, but we are different in that we are a shelter; we house cats and dogs on-site at our adoption facility. If you haven't been to visit us, you really should come over. We promise kisses, butt wiggles, and meows.
Together, we can transform the landscape for the homeless cats and dogs in our shared community. Your donation provides food, routine and emergency medical care, spay and neuter, enrichment, and a safe haven from harm. We have a loving staff and dedicated volunteers that help our animals find their forever homes.
We can't continue to save lives without you. We do not receive money from the ASPCA or any local government agency. Would you please donate today and ensure they have a tomorrow? Even a small donation makes a big impact. If you can't make a large one-time donation now, consider becoming a monthly donor with a small gift each month.
When you commit to rescuing the homeless animals in our area, you change our community for the better. We invite you to be a part of something better.
Pet of the Week
Name: Eve
Age: Approx. 1 Years old
Breed: Pointer Mix
Adoption Fee: $300
Meet Eve!
Eve is a delightful female Pointer mix with a heart of gold. Eve came to us from a local shelter as a mommy-to-be. Luckily, we had the perfect foster home for Eve, where she was loved and cared for. Eve embraced her responsibilities and was an amazing Mom to her pups. Now that her Mama duties are over, Eve is ready to become someone's baby.
Eve exudes sweetness and charm, making her a beloved presence wherever she goes. Her affectionate nature shines through in every interaction as she eagerly wags her tail and showers everyone with love. Eve's friendly disposition extends to all creatures, as she's proven herself to be good with cats and adores the company of humans. A meet and greet is always suggested for current canine family members.
Whether cuddling up on the couch or playing with her favorite toys, she thrives on companionship and attention. Her impeccable manners, including being housebroken and mastering basic commands like sitting, make her an easy addition to any home. At just one-year-old, she's already grown into a graceful lady, at a full-grown weight of just 56 lbs.
While Eve enjoys the occasional chew toy and treats like Milkbones, her true joy comes from forming deep connections with her loved ones. Eve loves food. She's not one to bark unnecessarily, preferring to express her happiness through gentle tail wags and affectionate nudges. With her endearing personality and unwavering loyalty, Eve is a cherished companion waiting to bring endless joy to her furever family!
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