Rise in dogs in animal shelters

By Metro Creative

Data from the ASPCA indicates that roughly 6.3 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United States each year.

A nearly equal number of dogs (3.1 million) and cats (3.2 million) make up that population, and roughly two-thirds of those shelter animals are eventually adopted each year. But the landscape for shelter animals is fluid, and the first half of 2023 was proof of that.

According to the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, dog intakes at animal shelters had increased by 4% during the first two quarters of 2023 compared to the same period the year prior. During that same time, cat intakes had declined by roughly 1%.

One possible reason for the higher intake of dogs is related to how prospective dog owners begin their search. A recent analysis of Google Trends found that the search term “buy a dog” is now as common as the term “adopt a dog.” By choosing to adopt rather than buy a dog, prospective dog owners could save a dog’s life and help often overburdened local adoption shelters looking to ensure dogs in their care end up in safe and happy homes.

— Metro Creative