Three Things to Know
Researchers analyzed data from multiple sources to track U.S. dog shelter trends since the 1970s, revealing declining intake and euthanasia rates, as well as a surge in adoptions since 2010.
Increased sterilization and indoor containment, coupled with a more intentional approach to dog acquisition, have significantly reduced shelter intake and euthanasia rates.
Inconsistent and incomplete data collection limits the depth of this analysis and future research. Implementing a standardized reporting system could provide more accurate and comprehensive insights into U.S. dog shelter trends.
The Full Picture
While there’s been much public discussion about dog management in the U.S., solid analyses of national shelter data are scarce. Most information comes from unreliable sources like individual shelter reports and inconsistent publications, and few studies examine national or regional shelter trends.
To address this gap, this review, titled “Dog Population & Dog Sheltering Trends in the United States of America,” compiles and analyzes shelter data from diverse sources to track trends in shelter demographics and U.S. dog populations since the 1970s.
- Individual shelters
- Historical national trend tracking efforts
- State shelter reports
- PetPoint data, which provides monthly intake and outcome reports for approximately 900-1300 entities.
Despite data limitations, the analysis reveals a significant decline in U.S. shelter intake since 1970. While the reasons for this trend remain unclear, examining long-term patterns across different scales (individual shelters, states, and national data) provides a reliable view of national developments in shelter demographics and dog management.
National Trends in Animal Shelter Demographics (1970-2010)
The United States’ network of animal shelters emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The number of shelters surged from 350 in 1959 to 3,500 shelters across 3,100 counties by 2015.
In 1973, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reported that approximately 13.5 million dogs and cats were euthanized annually, representing about 20% of the owned pet population at the time. Over 90% of animals entering shelters were euthanized, and shelter budgets primarily covered intake, short-term care, and euthanasia.
The pet overpopulation crisis gained national attention in the early 1970s. In response, organizations like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) launched the Legislation, Education, and Sterilization (LES) project. A key strategy was to promote sterilization as a means of controlling pet population.
Low-cost spay/neuter clinics were established to make these procedures more accessible to pet owners. Additionally, differential licensing, which charged higher fees for unsterilized pets, incentivized responsible pet ownership. These measures, combined with public education campaigns, led to a significant decline in euthanasia rates over the decades.
This led to a substantial decline in shelter intake and euthanasia rates. This trend continued into the 1980s and beyond, with euthanasia rates decreasing from 13.5 million annually in 1973 to 7.6-10 million by 1982. By the late 1980s, euthanasia rates had halved.
Recent National Trends in Shelter Intake and Outcomes (Post-2010)
Since 2010, pet adoptions have significantly contributed to the decline in shelter euthanasia rates across the United States. Before this period, euthanasia rates closely mirrored intake numbers. However, since then, a notable shift occurred: adoption rates surged while euthanasia rates plummeted. It was found that adoptions accounted for approximately 25% of the decrease in euthanasia between 2009 and 2017. National campaigns, such as the Ad Council’s pet adoption promotions launched in 2009, and increased advertising by shelters and rescue groups likely played a role in driving this trend.
The return of lost dogs to their owners, facilitated by microchip identification, also contributed to reduced euthanasia rates, although to a lesser extent.
Regional and State Trends in Shelter Demographics
Dog demographics, ownership rates, and shelter outcomes vary significantly across the United States. State-specific data provides valuable insights into regional trends, which highlight the impact of various factors, including regional differences, local policies, and socioeconomic conditions, on shelter demographics and outcomes.
Northeastern states, such as New Hampshire, tend to have lower stray dog populations and lower euthanasia rates compared to Southern states, like North Carolina. For instance, in 2012, New Hampshire euthanized only 0.26 dogs per 1,000 people, while North Carolina euthanized 6.45 dogs per 1,000 people in 2013.
New Jersey, a pioneer in implementing low-cost spay/neuter programs in 1984, experienced a significant reduction in dog impoundments (75%) and euthanasia (90%) by 2014. The primary driver of reduced euthanasia was declining intake rates, but adoptions also played a significant role in recent years.
California presents a diverse picture, with significant variations across counties. Coastal counties like San Diego and San Francisco have lower euthanasia rates (under 2 per 1,000 people), while inland counties like Fresno have higher rates (12.8 per 1,000 people). Socioeconomic factors, such as wealth and education levels, may influence these disparities. Statewide, dog intake and euthanasia rates have declined significantly since 1997, despite data quality variations across counties.
Michigan’s mandatory shelter licensing and annual reporting requirements provide a robust dataset. Between 2000 and 2013, both intake and euthanasia rates decreased significantly. Euthanasia rates dropped from 5.69 to 2.3 dogs per 1,000 people during this period, reflecting improved shelter outcomes.
Overall, states with comprehensive spay/neuter programs, robust adoption initiatives, and higher socioeconomic status tend to achieve better outcomes.
Responsible Pet Ownership Developments in the United States
Over the past three decades, American attitudes towards pets have undergone a significant transformation. Dogs, once often seen as mere property or outdoor companions, are now increasingly viewed as beloved family members. This cultural shift has had a profound impact on animal welfare, leading to a decline in shelter intake and euthanasia rates.
In the 1970s, approximately 25% of the dog population consisted of free-roaming street dogs; millions of these animals were euthanized annually in shelters. Today, the situation has improved, with euthanasia rates plummeting by over 90%. This dramatic change reflects improved human-dog relationships and the widespread adoption of responsible pet ownership practices.
The way Americans acquire dogs has evolved. In the past, many dogs were acquired unintentionally, as strays or from friends. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards more intentional (adopted or purchased) pet acquisition. Fewer are breeding their own.
The growing attachment between humans and their dogs is evident in the booming pet industry. Consumer spending on pet products and veterinary services has increased significantly (5-fold and 3.3-fold, respectively), reflecting a growing investment in pet care. Additionally, a growing number of dogs are now considered indoor pets, sharing their owners’ homes and beds.
Polls consistently show that a vast majority of Americans view their dogs as family members. This sentiment, coupled with increased financial investment and emotional attachment, has contributed to a more humane and compassionate approach to dog ownership.
Conclusion
Over the past four decades, the U.S. has significantly improved dog management. Sterilization, a cornerstone of this transformation that began in the 1970s, has reduced unwanted litters and shelter intake. Coupled with responsible pet ownership practices, including containment and microchipping, this has led to a dramatic decline in euthanasia rates.
The cultural shift towards viewing dogs as family members has fueled increased spending on pet care and a rise in shelter adoptions. Veterinarians have played a key role by integrating sterilization into standard practice and providing low-cost services.
While data limitations hinder a comprehensive analysis, the available information suggests that the decline in shelter intake was the primary driver of reduced euthanasia rates until around 2005. Since then, increased adoptions have further contributed to this trend.
To ensure continued progress, standardized data collection systems, like Shelter Animals Count, are essential. By expanding participation and improving data quality, we can gain valuable insights into animal welfare trends and inform future strategies.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Shelter Dogs > United States > Overview
Year of Publication:
2018
External Link:
Rowan A, Kartal T. Dog Population & Dog Sheltering Trends in the United States of America. Animals. 2018; 8(5):68. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani8050068