In 2025:      2,963,000 cats entered shelters and rescues

2,825,000 dogs entered shelters and rescues

In a country as wealthy and well educated as the United States, we should not have this astronomical number of unwanted and abandoned pets.  But the above staggering and heart-breaking statistics illustrate a sad breakdown in responsible pet breeding and ownership. The main reasons why so many cats and dogs end up in an animal shelter or a rescue organization are these:

1. Behavior issues 28%
2. Housing – moving 18%
3. Unable to care for pet 16%
4. Too many pets 10%
5. Financial reasons 6%
6. Owner allergies 5%
7. Miscellaneous: no time for pet, pet illness, pet incompatibility, unwanted litters, strays from the street, etc.

And the saddest statistic of all is the fate that many of these cats and dogs eventually suffer:

Annual euthanasia rates for cats: 273,000 – 530,000

Annual euthanasia rates for dogs: 334,000 – 390,000

Whatever the reason these cats and dogs end up being homeless, many would make fine pets for welcoming homes.  And with 4,100 Animal shelters and over 9,000 rescue organizations in the USA there is probably one in your hometown with a hopeful dog or lonesome cat just waiting for you to stop by and find them. The internet is another valuable tool in connecting with a potential rescue pet. But be aware there are bogus groups and individuals attempting to sell and displaying adorable photos of dogs or cats that don’t exist. Check the credentials of a shelter or rescue before making a final decision and never send money or credit card information. Caveat emptor, or buyer beware, meaning “the purchaser assumes the risk” applies just as much today as it did in ancient times.

Although there are bad actors involved in rehoming cats and dogs, most organizations are full of amazingly dedicated workers whose aim is to find forever homes for needy animals. A few things to look for when researching an animal shelter or rescue group are to check and make sure they have a 501 (c) (3) designation. This weeds out the majority of phony groups and individuals. However, some small groups do not have that tax status but are still quite reputable. Check for positive reviews online and with Charity Navigator or Charity Watch.  Breed specific rescues are usually monitored by breed organizations and they can be verified through the breed organizations.  Another sign that a group is legitimate is to see if they use foster families for their animals and prioritize needed veterinary care.  Scammers are in the animal “trade” for money and rarely spend money on the animals themselves.

Choosing a shelter dog or cat that will fit into your lifestyle may take some time. Workers in this area of pet care and ownership always stress that impulse buying is not an option. Homeless dogs and cats have already gone through at least one upheaval in their lives and need a dependable and stable second chance, so adding a new pet into your home should be a well thought out decision and agreed upon by all family members. Think about dogs or cats you have previously had in your life and which ones were your most beloved.  What characteristics did they have that you would like to experience again?  Do you like a friend’s quiet, cuddly cat or another friend’s silly, busy kitty? Maybe take a few online quizzes to help find your most compatible dog breeds. Some of these quizzes are better than others, so take at least three to determine their general accuracy. The more specific you can be about your likes and dislikes for a future dog or cat, the more successful you will be in choosing one that will satisfy your wishes. Remember, this pet may be with you for many years, and everyone wants a good outcome.

Rescuing a dog or cat from a shelter is one of the kindest, most life-affirming acts a person can do. One of my favorite shelter slogans says it all – Unlock a Cage, Free a Heart.

Part 2 will dive deeper into what you can expect with your new shelter or recue pet.