It’s common knowledge that American animal shelters are overflowing with animals and that many of them end up euthanized (31% of dogs and 41% of cats who enter shelters never make it out alive). But there are some things you may not know about these facilities that care for and rehome cats, dogs, and other animals:

• 20-30% of dogs in shelters are purebred. You don’t have to resort to pet stores or expensive breeders if you want one of these distinguished dogs – check out your local animal rescue, you may be surprised at what you find.
• Twice the number of animals who enter shelters are strays as compared to owner surrenders, although many of those “strays” are pets who had a home, and – lacking proper identification like a tag, license, or microchip – got lost or separated from their owners.
• 90% of pets in dog and cat rescues are totally healthy and ready to be adopted – so if the thought of high vet bills has deterred you from taking a furry friend under your wing, now you know there’s no reason to wait.
• Just 10% of shelter animals arrive at the facility already spayed or neutered. This problem is a major contributor to the fact that roughly seven million animals enter the rescue system each year.
• The average age of pets who come into the shelter system is about 18 months – so if you thought you couldn’t get a young animal who will give you many years of companionship and love, you will probably be pleasantly surprised.
• Adult dogs often come into the shelter already trained – which means adopting an older pet not only saves these sweeties from possible doom, but saves you the time and expense of teaching them basic commands. That’s definitely a win-win.

What Can You Do?

There is a multitude of ways you can help animal rescues and the pets that go into them. Adopting a fuzzy friend is certainly ideal, and there are plenty of other creative ways to help as well.

• Consider adopting an older pet – younger animals usually get taken in by new families first, so passing by the babies and opting for a more mature pup or kitty can literally save their life.
• If you aren’t in a position to adopt at this time, consider donating food, toys, or treats to your local rescue. These items make the animals’ lives better and free up funds for promoting the really important matters, like adoption.
• Help reduce strays by utilizing the Humane Society’s trap-neuter-return resources, designed specifically for use on the feral cat population.
• Use identifying tags on your pet: include your phone number, the pet’s name, and if applicable, the dog license number. Consider microchipping your pet for the ultimate in high-tech safety. Be vigilant about keeping your furry friends indoors and talk to friends and family about the benefits of them doing the same.
• Write letters to the editor at your local papers and news publications regarding issues like puppy mills, dog fighting, animal abuse, and what local rescues are doing to help. Grassroots movements are often the most effective kind, so use publicity to garner awareness and participation.
• Get out and vote – when pet protection ordinances come up on your local ballot, you want to be there to help them pass.

The numbers are heartbreaking – estimates show that nearly three million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. Whether these precious creatures enter the system through owner surrender, getting lost, being seized because of abuse, or any other reason, there are things you can do to reduce the numbers and improve the lives of pets everywhere.