According to recent estimates, nearly 70% of households in America own at least one pet. But despite the country’s love for creature companions, not all will find a home. As a result, many animals end up in shelters, where they must hope for caring individuals to adopt them. Fortunately, greater awareness and use of spay/neuter surgery can help reduce pet homelessness. To help shed more light on this matter, here are five statistic-based facts that every cat or dog owner should know.

1. Six Million Pets End Up in Shelters Every Year

The ASPCA estimates that nearly 6.5 million animals are brought into animal shelters every year. Of these, 3.3 million are dogs while 3.2 million are cats. With an approximate 3,500 registered shelters in the country, this high number can place a severe strain on resources.

2. Adoption Doesn’t Save All Sheltered Animals

Apart from spay/neuter surgery, adoption is one of the best ways to reduce the number of homeless animals in the country. However, not all shelters have the resources necessary to keep these animals until they are able to find homes. As a result, an approximate 1.5 million homeless pets are euthanized each year.  

3. Shelters Reconnect Owners With Lost Pets

The majority of animals kept in shelters are either abandoned directly by their owners or found on the streets as strays. But it’s important to note that these facilities also help keep pets safe when they go missing. It’s estimated that every year, shelters help 710,000 lost pets reunite with their owners.

4. Breeding Adds to the Problem

In theory, it would seem that those purchasing purebreds would be intent on keeping the animal. In reality, many owners lose interest or are unable to keep these animals. In fact, the Humane Society estimates that nearly 25% of dogs that enter shelters are purebred.

5. Spay/Neuter Surgery Isn’t Always Accessible

Spaying and neutering can safely and effectively remove an animal’s reproductive abilities, which helps curb overpopulation and reduces the strain on shelters. Unfortunately, these services aren’t always easy for new owners to access or afford. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 23 million cats and dogs live in underserved communities. Of these, about 87% have not been spayed or neutered.   

Understanding the burden that pet overpopulation has on all communities, we at Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic are committed to offering affordable and accessible preventive care. Having performed over 32,000 spay/neuter surgery procedures, our team of caring professionals has helped reduce strays in Connecticut and beyond. If you’ve recently adopted an animal, we also provide at the time of surgery affordable pet vaccinations to protect your new companion from serious and life-threatening diseases. For more details on our services and prices, visit our spay and neuter clinic online. To schedule an appointment, call our Stratford, CT, office at (203) 690-1550.