One of the biggest challenges facing animal advocates is a lack of comprehensive data. For too long, people interested in saving animals have been left with anecdotal and otherwise unreliable information. When rescue efforts are as transparent as possible, there is greater accountability and trust among advocates, rescuers, and the public.
Shelter Animals Count Database
The Shelter Animals Count database is a comprehensive and centralized platform that collects and analyzes data related to shelter animals across the United States. This database serves as a valuable tool for shelters, rescue organizations, policymakers, and animal advocates as it provides critical insights into trends regarding animal intake, outcomes, demographics, and health status. By tracking this information in a standardized format, the database allows stakeholders to identify areas of need, measure progress over time, and make informed decisions to improve the welfare of shelter animals.
The data collected through Shelter Animals Count enables organizations to collaborate more effectively by sharing best practices and implementing evidence-based strategies that lead to better outcomes for animals in need. Ultimately, this database plays a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and positive change within the animal welfare community.
The Numbers
The Shelter Animals Count database indicates that 6.5 million dogs and cats entered shelters in 2023. Fewer dog adoptions have led to more dogs than cats being euthanized since Shelter Animals Count created the database. Approximately 48% of these animals were strays, and owners gave up 25%. Shelters are full. There are not enough adopters, and dogs in these shelters need our help to find forever homes.
Shelters are operating at or over capacity. Since 2021, 900,000 animals have entered shelters and are still waiting for a home. The answer isn’t to build more shelters because they’ll always overflow. Individuals and communities need to step up and take action to save pets. Animal organizations need help from individuals in their communities.
With accurate information on shelter intakes, rescuers have a better chance of networking the animals in need. A mixture of effective networking, willing fosters, and rescues can ensure better outcomes overall. Saving more pets in shelters takes a team willing and able to work together.
