We’ve all heard the heartbreaking statistics: ‘X million’ dogs and cats end up in shelters each year, and more than half of them never make it out alive.
According to new data released by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), those numbers are going down – way down!
Ringo is a star! This wonderful pup has found a loving home! Want to give our other adoptables a happy ending? Click here: http://bit.ly/2b1I73h #adoptASPCA
Posted by ASPCA on Thursday, August 18, 2016
The research was shared with TODAY.com and shows that fewer pets are winding up in shelters. The ones that do are less likely to face euthanasia, and have a better chance of going home with kindhearted adopters.
Our fourth week winner: Jake & Lyne C.! “Although it is true that we gave Jake a home, he has brought so much more to…
Posted by ASPCA on Monday, May 23, 2016
The last ASPCA study conducted in 2011 revealed that 7.2 million pets were being surrendered annually to American shelters or taken in as strays. At that time, about 2.7 million pets found themselves rescued by adoption into new families.
Happy #NationalBestFriendsDay! How do you show your pet is your best friend?
Posted by ASPCA on Wednesday, June 8, 2016
According to the new data, about 6.5 million pets are winding up in shelters – an almost even split of 3.3 million dogs and 3.2 million cats – and the number of shelter pets adopted annually has risen by a whopping 500,000! That’s half a million more precious, furry lives saved by adoption, and 700,000 fewer pets experiencing shelter life at all!
For comparison, 13 million pets entered the shelter system in 1973.
We will remain in the Southeast until assistance is no longer needed. http://bit.ly/2d3nWBY
Posted by ASPCA on Friday, October 14, 2016
And the promising statistics don’t end there. The study also reported that 1.2 million fewer dogs and cats are euthanized each year in American shelters, and 61,000 pets taken in as strays are reclaimed by their owners.
Peach is as sweet as her name! She’s another pup that enjoys lounging and cuddling. http://bit.ly/1PjzYTw #BigLove
Posted by ASPCA on Thursday, October 15, 2015
Emily Weiss, the ASPCA’s vice president for research and development, offered several possible reasons for these happy improvements, including:
- More Americans view their pets as part of the family and are opting for simple life-saving tools such as microchipping.
- Access to free and low-cost spay/neuter programs has helped to reduce the stray kitten and puppy populations.
- Improvements in Breed Specific Legislation have allowed more Pit Bull type-dogs, commonly found in shelters, to be placed in loving homes.
- Widely publicized open adoption events have brought eager families out in droves.
Did your dog join you for #TakeYourDogToWorkDay? Share your photos below!
Posted by ASPCA on Friday, June 24, 2016
Another important change is the increase in programs designed to relieve the physical and financial burdens that cause owners to surrender their pets – including funds for veterinary services, pet food banks, and foster programs that aid the sick, elderly and deployed military personnel.
Celebrating our last dog adoption with cheers and tears of joy!
Posted by ASPCA on Sunday, March 20, 2016
ASPCA president and CEO, Matt Bershadker says that in order to save even more lives, affordable access to vital pet care services is needed. This will keep more pets in the loving homes they already have, and save precious space at local shelters.
Alakazam was shy after being rescued from a hoarding situation, but her magical personality has come out in her new home! http://bit.ly/1M02aVT
Posted by ASPCA on Friday, October 30, 2015
In addition, when it comes time to welcome a new pet to your family, choose adoption!
“There are still far too many amazing dogs and cats in shelters who need and deserve loving homes,” says Bershadker.
H/T to TODAY.com
Featured Image via Facebook/ASPCA
