5 to 7 million companion animals enter shelters each year nationwide (2)
3 to 4 million of those animals are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats). These are national estimates and the percentage of euthanasia can very from state to state (2)
25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.
Only 10% of companion animals that are received by shelters have been spayed or neutered.
The average number of litters an unspayed female cat produces each year is 1-2 litters. The average number of kittens is 4-6 kittens per litter. Overall, an unspayed female cat gives birth to 12 kittens per year.
The average number of litters an unspayed fertile female dog produces per year is one. The average number of puppies per litter is 4-6.
The cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for a year. (1)
