The Truth about Pet Overpopulation
- 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)
References
- ASPCA Pet Statistics: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-statistics.aspx
- National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy: http://www.petpopulation.org/statsurvey.html