It’s a common misconception that shelter dog euthanasia is a thing of the past. According to the ASPCA, approximately 390,000 dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters every year. Many of those dogs are healthy, well-behaved dogs that deserve better. However, without the help of dog lovers nationwide, these numbers will remain consistent for years to come.
There’s a lot that the average person doesn’t know about shelter dog euthanasia. By becoming aware of the issue and spreading the word, we can encourage more animal lovers to foster and adopt these critical dogs.
If you’re interested in fostering dogs and you live in the Memphis area, consider fostering one of the dogs at risk of euthanasia. You could save a life.
Why Do Shelters Euthanize Dogs?
Shelters euthanize dogs because they’re faced with no other choice. Dogs are incredibly overpopulated in the U.S. because puppy mills keep mass-producing them and not enough people are spaying and neutering. To add to the concern, not enough people are adopting and fostering dogs, making it harder for shelters to free up space for new dogs.
So, shelters euthanize pets because they don’t have the space and resources to properly care for them. The only other option would be to turn pets away, which could lead to the animals dying in cruel ways. As heartbreaking as it is to put dogs down, it’s the difficult decision that many shelters are forced to make.
How are Dogs Euthanized in Shelters?
Most shelters euthanize pets through an injection made up of approved drugs. It’s the same humane method that vets use for pet dogs. If you know of a shelter that’s euthanizing in an inhumane way, express your concerns with your legislators to help put an end to it.
How Many Dogs Are Euthanized in Shelters?
As mentioned earlier, about 390,000 dogs die in shelters each year (many of which are Pit Bulls). With cats included, it adds up to 920,000 pets annually of the 6.3 million pets that enter shelters. While the euthanasia number is shockingly high, it’s thankfully a decrease from the 2.6 million dogs and cats that were put down in 2011. The decrease is likely due to more pets getting adopted and more lost pets returning to their owners.
Yet, even though we’re on the right track, we still have a long way to go. In an ideal world, healthy dogs and cats would never be euthanized in shelters. It’s important to encourage people to adopt, foster, and spay/neuter to help with that.
Which States Have the Most Shelter Dog Euthanasia?
As of 2023, the states with the highest euthanasia rates were Arizona (22.6%), Alabama (18.4%), and Louisiana (16.1%). These numbers fluctuate every year, but it’s more common for southern shelters to euthanize pets than northern states. Southern states typically have more strays and less people spaying and neutering, which is why their shelters are overcrowded.
California and Texas typically euthanize the most pets each year, but that’s because they take in significantly more animals than the other states.
How to Find Dogs About to Be Euthanized for Adoption
If you’re looking to adopt a dog, consider adopting one that’s at risk of euthanasia. Memphis Animal Services is currently in desperate need of people to foster and adopt their dogs. Visit the list of critical dogs to see which dogs could be euthanized soon. Fostering or adopting one of those dogs would save their life!
Even if you don’t live near Memphis, you can still save a dog. Contact shelters near you to find out if there’s an at-risk dog you can foster. If none of your local shelters are kill shelters, fostering a dog from a no-kill shelter or rescue could open up space for them to save dogs from kill shelters. So, fostering and adopting can save a life no matter where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Animal Shelters Euthanize Dogs?
Yes, shelters still euthanize dogs, but they try to save as many as they can. Unfortunately, dogs are very overpopulated, making it difficult for shelters to stop euthanizing healthy dogs. Some shelters also offer low-cost euthanasia services for families with sick pets.
Do Animal Shelters Euthanize Cats?
Yes, shelters still euthanize cats. More cats are put down every year than dogs because lost cats are more likely to enter shelters without identification. There are also a lot of stray cats nationwide that aren’t spayed and neutered.
Do Shelters Euthanize Puppies and Kittens?
Yes, puppies and kittens are euthanized in shelters just like adult pets. Even though younger pets typically get adopted faster, they’re still at risk if they enter an overcrowded shelter.
What is a No-Kill Shelter?
“No-kill” is a term given to shelters and rescues that save at least 90% of the animals in their care. Any shelter euthanizing more than 10% of pets is a kill shelter. So, even if an organization is “no-kill,” they may still put down some dogs, but they’re less likely to put down healthy dogs.
Why Don’t More People Foster Dogs?
There are a lot of myths about fostering dogs that make people hesitant to try it. People may not foster because they don’t feel that they enough have time, experience, or space. However, fostering is more flexible than most people realize.
Saving Dogs from Euthanasia is Crucial
Shelter dog euthanasia is still high in the U.S., despite animal lovers working hard to save dogs. Hundreds of thousands of dogs die in shelters every year, many of which are healthy and well-behaved. Adopting and fostering these dogs can save their lives, so if you’re able, please consider doing one of those two things.
If you live in Memphis, there are many dogs at risk of euthanasia nearby. Please open your heart to one if you can because it could keep them alive.
