Nearly a million more pets are crowding the nation’s animal shelters and facilities compared to three years ago, with more dogs than cats euthanized last year for the first time since 2016.

Shelter and rescue populations in the U.S. have surged by 900,000 overall since January 2021, and more than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in 2023, marking a five-year peak, according to animal advocacy group Shelter Animals Count. Meanwhile, 330,000 cats were euthanized.

“Everywhere you turn, the shelters are in crisis,” said Stephanie Filer, the group’s executive director. “It’s truly about an imbalance of animals coming in at faster rates than they’re leaving.” 

“Rescuing your pet from a sheltering organization needs to be something of a pride point, something to brag about,” she said. “And encouraging your friends and family to do the same. That’s the No. 1 call to action.”

Doing so, she said, “not only saves lives but sends a much-needed message of support to overwhelmed shelters and their staff. Adopting a pet is also the most sustainable and socially conscious choice, which helps alleviate the shelter crisis rather than compounding it.”

While adopting a pet isn’t possible for everyone, Filer said, there are other ways to help – by fostering pets, or by volunteering at or donating to local shelters.

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