According to the Humane Society, there are an estimated 3,500 animal shelters in North America, along with approximately 10,000 rescue groups and animal sanctuaries. In the United States alone, animal rescue facilities and organizations provide shelter to 6.3 million companion animals, including 3.1 million dogs and 3.2 million cats.
The number of homeless pets that must be cared for poses a massive strain on animal shelters. According to the Mosby Foundation, just 10 percent of newborn dogs will go on to find a permanent home. This means that a staggering 90 percent of dogs are either given up by owners or taken to animal shelters by local animal control services. Due to overcrowding and lack of funding, animal shelters are forced to euthanize more than 900,000 dogs and cats each year.
There are a few positive statistics animal lovers can take solace in regarding animals in shelters. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of animals entering shelters annually decreased from 7.2 million to 6.3 million. The number of animals euthanized by shelters has fallen from 2.6 million to 920,000 over the same period. Shelters oversee more than four million adoptions every year and return roughly 810,000 lost pets to their pet parents.
Despite these improvements, shelters are limited in how much they can do for homeless and lost animals, primarily due to financial constraints. Local animal control agencies rely on government budgets for resources and personnel and any money raised through third-party support. That said, most animal shelters and rescues do not receive funding through municipal agreements. Adoption fees, meanwhile, barely cover the cost of animal care services, leaving little room for additional hiring or facility improvements.
Annual donations from community supporters represent the main income for the average animal shelter. Other sources of financing include special crowdfunding initiatives and fundraisers, grants, and gifts in kind made possible by groups and services like Hill’s Food Shelter and Love program.
Unfortunately, even the most vocal advocate for animal rights may be unable to contribute financially to their local shelter. Fortunately, individuals can support animal shelters and rescues in several ways beyond monetary contributions.
To start, shelters may accept other donations, including pet food, toys, food and water bowls, and equipment such as leashes and harnesses. Of course, individuals can also donate their time. Calling a local shelter and asking about volunteer opportunities is one of the most direct and rewarding means of aiding a favorite animal shelter. Volunteers may clean or wash animals or support the shelter with various administrative tasks.
Considering overpopulation is one of the major problems impacting animal shelters, individuals and families can consider adopting an animal. However, shelter supporters must know the long-term financial and time commitment associated with caring for an animal before adoption. If adoption is not possible, some shelter supporters may be more interested in fostering an animal until the shelter can find a permanent home.
Finally, individuals can help local shelters and rescues through promotions. Promotions may range from sharing information on social media to telling family members and friends about animals available for adoption.
