Last updated on August 24, 2024 to reflect the latest research and statistics. Our editorial team has ensured you’re viewing the most current data on this topic. Need help or have a question? Email us.
Every year, over 6.5 million dogs and cats, and other household pets are surrendered to animal shelters. Sadly, just over 4 million find a home every year, leaving an ever-increasing number of animals in the shelter population.
I have been involved in animal fostering since I was a child. My bedroom was frequently used as a sanctuary for pregnant cats who could not go into the cattery we had built in the garden.
I have seen firsthand the level of work and sheer depth of requirements needed to run a charity.
Animal shelters often run on a bare-bones system with just enough to scrape by. The following collection of pet adoption statistics attempts to paint an accurate picture of the state of the pet adoption system as it currently stands.
Key Facts at a Glance
- 6.5 Million Animals Entered US Animal Shelters in 2023
- 4.8 Million Cats and Dogs Are Adopted Annually
- 6,010,000 Animals Entering Shelters Found Homes
- 25% of the Dogs in the Shelters are Purebreds
- 57% of the US Shelters Are Currently No-kill
- 690,000 Shelter Animals were Euthanized in 2023
- 10 Million Animals Die from Abuse in the US
Pet Adoption Statistics
In 2023, 6.5 Million Animals Entered US Animal Shelters (Shelter Animals Count, SAC)
Animal shelters and rescue groups sheltered over 6.5 million animals, including roughly 3.3 million cats and 3.2 million dogs in need of care and assistance.
Approximately 4.8 Million Cats and Dogs Are Adopted Annually (SAC)
According to collected records from the SAC and Humane Society, 2.6 million cats (65% of total intake) and 2.2 million dogs (56% of total intake) were adopted in 2023.
The Number of Cats Adopted from Animal Shelters increased from 2021 (SAC)
Adoption rates are rising, particularly for cats, with 61% of animals in shelters being adopted.
Black Cats Are Least Adopted as Compared to Other Cats (Saint Scroll)
Sadly, ‘black cat bias‘ has long been a stigma surrounding black cats, from tales of superstition and bad luck to witchcraft. These folktales have made people wary of offering black cats a home.
Approximately 6,010,000 Animals Entering Shelters Are Returned Back to Their Owners (SAC)
In 2023, 6,010,000 dogs and cats found new homes or were returned to their owners or community.
The Rate of Puppy Adoption Is Higher than Adult Dogs (ASPCA)
Puppies have a 60% adoption rate, while older dog breeds have a rate as low as 25%. People prefer younger dogs and often overlook adult dogs due to possible health conditions and engrained behaviors. However, even older dogs deserve a loving home.
Pit bulls Are One of the Six Most Common Dog Breeds in Animal Shelters (Pet Insurance Review, Pedigree)
According to Pet Insurance Review and Pedigree, the six most common dog breeds in pet shelters are:
- Pit bulls
- Labrador retrievers
- German shepherds
- Dachshunds
- Chihuahuas
- Boxers
Six Months after Their Initial Adoption, Approximately 20% of Pets Are Returned Back to the Original Shelter (NLM)
There are numerous reasons for this, but most revolve around people being unprepared for the responsibilities that come from good pet ownership. 12% of dog owners admitted to returning their pets, and 90% of those cited aggressive behavior as the leading reason.
There Was a 20% Uptick in Cat Fostering Between 2018 and 2020 (Maddies Fund)
A report published by MaddiesFund shows that between 2018 and 2020, the rate of fostering increased by 20% for cats and 7% for dogs.
Dogs And Cats Live Outcome
- 61% of the total dogs and cats are adopted (SAC)
- 9% of the dogs and cats are returned to their owners (SAC)
- 65% of the Dogs and 56% of Cats Are Adopted from Animal Shelters (SAC)
- 46% of the Dogs and 49% of the Cats Are Taken in as Strays (SAC)
- 9% of Dogs and 8% of Cats Are Purchased from Pet Stores (Humane Society)
- 18% of the Dogs and 21% of the Cats Are Adopted from Friends or Relatives (Humane Society)
- 4% of the Dogs and 3% of the Cats Are Received as Gifts (Humane Society)
- The Number of Dogs Purchased from Breeders Is lower than the Number of Dogs Adopted from Shelters (Humane Society)
- More Cats Are Adopted from Shelters than Purchased from Breeders (Humane Society)
Dog Adoption Statistics
Almost 3.2 Million Dogs Enter US Shelters Annually (SAC)
This number remained the same number as 2022 and up slightly from 2021.
Latest Stats From APPA Revealed 49.5% of American Households Own a Dog as a Pet (APPA)
As mentioned in an article on AVMA, about 45% of all US households own at least one dog as a pet. According to APPA, 65.1 million households own a dog, constituting almost 49.5% of the 131.43 million households in the USA.
In the US, 84 to 89 Million Dogs Are Owned as Pets (AVMA)
Previously, there were 83 to 88 million dogs owned as pets. To put that into perspective, it means that there are currently approximately 1.46 pet dogs per household.
Almost 359,000 Dogs Are Euthanized in Shelters Annually (SAC)
In 2023, the number of dogs euthanized was highest in the last five years.
54% of the Dog Owners Adopted Mixed-breed Dogs (Humane Society)
Statistics from the HumanePro show that over half of all owned dogs (54% in 2021) are officially classed as mixed breeds or mongrel.
Only 25% of the Dogs in the Shelters Are Purebred (Humane Society)
With 25% of purebred dogs in shelters, which often sell for high prices in retail outlets, they are also being euthanized.
The Cost Associated with Feeding a Dog Is Between $300 Annually (ASPCA)
Of course, this figure varies based on several factors, including dog size and breed and also the brand of dog food you buy.
Cat Adoption Statistics
46.5 Million Households in the US Own a Cat (APPA)
That is approximately 50% of all homes in the United States. Cats are the second most common house pet in the US after dogs.
5% of Households Foster a Cat (APPA)
There are many reasons for an individual to foster a cat. If you are considering adopting one, fostering a cat can give you a picture of what to expect. Also, you could potentially save a cat’s life.
3.3 Million Cats Enter Shelters Annually (SAC)
However, ASPCA states that approximately 3.2 million cats enter the shelter system every year in the US.
Sadly, this is significantly more than the cats that get adopted.
The Number of Pet Cats in the US Is Somewhere Around 60 to 62 Million (AVMA)
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are almost 62 million pet cats in the US compared to 74 million cats a decade ago.
Approximately There Are 30 to 80 Million Stray, Feral, Uncared Cats in the US (USDA)
Feral and uncared-for cats are a big problem around the world. There is even an NFT game, CatRescue, that donates 50% of its proceeds to help fight the rising surge of feral cats.
On Average, People Adopt Stray Cats More Often than They Adopt Stray Dogs (ASPCA)
A rehoming survey conducted by the ASPCA confirmed that more cats (27%) are adopted as strays than dogs (6%).
According to a 2022 Survey, Almost $801 Is Spent Annually by Cat Owners on Vet Care (Humane Society)
This is almost three times as much as the average from 2018.
Mostly Kittens Are Adopted from Shelters (ASPCA)
There is a heavy slant in favor of kittens regarding the likelihood of cats being adopted.
The study reported that over 81% of kittens in animal shelters are adopted, compared to just 54% of senior cats.
Animal Shelter Statistics
Below are five interesting animal shelter statistics.
The Number of Animal Shelters in the US Is 3,964, and 10,000 Animal Sanctuaries and Rescue Groups Are Working in North America (Best Friends, Do Something)
According to Best Friends stats, 4.76 million cats and dogs entered shelters, and 3.97 million were saved.
The Number of Puppy Mills in the US Is Almost 10,000 (Humane Society)
Out of 10,000 puppy mills in the United States, fewer than 3,000 are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
57% of the Animal Shelters in the US Are Currently No-kill Shelters (Best Friends)
The percentage of no-kill shelters in the US has more than doubled over the past seven years, rising from 24% in 2016 to 57% in 2022.
About 43% of US counties are no-kill animal shelters. (Best Friends)
In 2021, 93% of no-kill shelters successfully maintained their commitment to not euthanizing pets.
In 2023, 363,000 Cats and 625,000 Dogs Who Enter Shelters Were Returned to Owners (SAC)
According to ASPCA, out of the more than 6 million animals that enter shelters each year, 810,000 are eventually reunited with their original owners.
In 2023, 109,000 more dogs and 34,000 more cats were adopted compared to 2022, according to SAC.
Animal Shelter Surrender Reasons
Owner’s Death Surrendered Almost 10.1% of the Animals (Best Friends)
Roughly 10% of animals are surrendered in the wake of a death, as no family members are willing to take on the obligation of pet ownership, especially if they already have pets themselves.
Almost 14% of the Dogs Surrendered Due to Housing Issues. The Percentage of Cats Surrendered per Household Is Higher (Best Friends)
This could be because rental properties do not allow pets or because there are too many animals living on the property.
Almost 7.8% of Animals Are Surrendered Due to Non-Aggressive Behavior (Best Friends)
According to the report, non-aggressive behavior and general personality mismatches account for almost 8% of animals being surrendered to shelters.
Owners’ Finances Are Behind 7.2% of Animal Shelter Surrenders (Best Friends)
As the economy continues to rebound following COVID-19, people find themselves needing to make tough budgeting choices.
More than 50% of All Dogs and Cats Are Killed in 5 US States (Best Friends)
California, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia are the five states accounting for half of all cats and dogs killed.
Euthanized Animal Statistics
Around 690,000 Shelter Animals were Euthanized in 2023. (Animal Shelter Count)
This high number is due to system overload, with more animals being surrendered than rehomed. Rescue groups are working beyond capacity, and the result is that hard decisions need to be made.
81% of the People Prefer to Keep Community Cats Outside Rather than Risk Them Being Euthanized (Humane Society)
About 81% of people would rather leave wild cats alone to live their lives unowned rather than risk them being euthanized when surrendered to a shelter.
Black Cats Face Highest Euthanasia Rates in Shelters Are Black (NCBI)
This is because of the social stigma that has been created surrounding black animals. Superstition and folklore are two primary drivers behind the black cat shunning.
Roughly 2.7 Million Cats and Dogs Are Killed Annually Because Shelters Are Full (ASPCA)
The main reason for animals in shelters being euthanized is shelter overcrowding and overpopulation. Shelters don’t have the means to sustain a huge number of animals and put them to sleep as a last resort.
Animal Abuse Statistics
Below are five startling animal abuse statistics.
Over 10 Million Animals Die from Abuse in the US (Letters2President)
It is estimated that sixty percent of these animals are dogs, 18% are cats, and 22% are other animals.
Stat Shows 71% of Individuals Who Are Involved in Domestic Violence Also Abuse Their Pets (Sheriffs.org)
71% of pet-owning domestic violence victims seeking shelter admitted that their spouse also abused and/or killed their pets.
The most frequently reported cases of animal cruelty are related to neglect and most often involve dogs. (NCBI)
However, research on cruelty enforcement shows that prosecution is rare and typically happens only in the most severe cases.
Animal Abandoned Statistics
Only Around 10% of the Dogs Born Own a Permanent House (Do Something)
Around 10% of puppies coming into the world are lucky enough to find a house and family they live with forever.
In the US, 70 Million Animals (Dogs and Cats) Are Homeless (PETA)
According to PETA, there are over 70 million stray pets, which means there are the same number of stray animals as there are owned dogs.
24% of the Dogs and 25% of the Cats Were Relinquished. (SAC)
Owner-related issues were the most common reasons for giving up both cats and dogs. Among animal-related factors, behavioral problems were the most frequently reported reason for relinquishment.
Pet Ownership Statistics
Below are some eye-opening pet ownership statistics.
86.9 Million Households in the US Own a Pet (APPA)
A 2022 survey from the APPA (American Pet Products Association) revealed that over 66% of US households own at least one pet.
8% of Households Foster a Pet (Humane Society, APPA)
The difference between fostering animals and adopting them is that as a foster home, you look after the animals until a permanent adopted home is found.
11% of Pet Owners Also Foster Pets (Humane Society, APPA)
This shows the mindset of many pet parents, who understand the animal shelter crisis as it currently stands and want to do their part to help save our companion animals.
80% of Pet Owners Consider Their Pets to Be Part of the Family (AVMA)
Pets play a pivotal role in our lives and in family life. A survey reports that approximately 80% of pet parents view their pets as part of the family.
57% of women pet owners consider their furry friends as much a part of their family as a human member, compared to 43% of male pet owners.
Freshwater Fish Is the Third Most Common Pet in the US (APPA)
According to an article, freshwater fish are the third most popular household pet in the United States.
Approximately 11% of US homes have an aquarium, with many citing the additional aesthetic benefit of a tank as a common reason behind their purchase and upkeep.
As Per Latest Report of 2023, the North America Pet Insurance Company Crossed $3.5 Billion (NAPHIA)
More homes now understand the benefits of having additional pet insurance, as revenue exceeded $3.5 billion in 2023.
People Spent $147 Billion on Their Pets in 2023 (APPA)
The US spent a combined total of 147 billion on pets in 2023 and is projected to spend 150.6 billion dollars in 2024. Almost 50% of this was spent on food and treats.
The Average Annual Cost of Owning a Dog Can Be as High as $1,000 (ASPCA)
Owning a dog is not cheap. Depending on the breed, you can expect to pay more than $1000 a year.
According to ASPCA Pet Insurance, the typical costs related to dog ownership include food, treats, medical expenses, toys, and licenses. There are also the ad-hoc costs you pick up along the way.
FAQs
How many animals are abandoned each year?
Each year, 6.5 million dogs, cats, and other former pets are abandoned or lost and end up in shelters. Out of these, only 3.2 million are adopted, and many return to shelters within a year of being rehomed. More young people are choosing to adopt pets. Between 3.5 to 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted every year.
How many kill shelters are in the US?
According to SAC-reported data, there were 4,915 shelters and 9,514 rescues operating in the U.S. in 2023.
How many animals are euthanized each year?
It’s heartbreaking to see how many pets are killed each year. According to the ASPCA, approximately 920,000 animals are euthanized annually, including 390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats. The number of dogs and cats euthanized in U.S. shelters annually is facing the biggest decline.
How many dogs are in shelters?
The number of dogs entering shelters annually has decreased since 2011, from an average of 3.9 million in 2011 to 3.1 million dogs in 2019. The total number decreased from 7.9 million to approximately 6.3 million cats and dogs each year.
Wrap Up
If all of these pet adoption statistics show anything, it is that there is something of a pet crisis going on right now.
Any downward trends reported over the last two years paint a possibly skewed viewpoint, given the far-reaching impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. In either case, there are more animals being surrendered than homeless pets given new loving homes.
Even with the rise in no-kill shelters, something needs to change in order to stabilize the ship.
Do you have an adopted pet? How has that experience worked for you? Personally, I have an adopted dog and couldn’t be happier with her. Let us know in the comments. We love hearing from you all.
