Why do dogs get euthanized in shelters?

Dogs are often seen as beloved companions, with many owners forming deep and unique bonds with their pets. With this in mind, it can be especially heartbreaking to learn that millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters each year. The reasons behind this phenomenon can be varied, depending on the individual dog and the circumstance in which they were found, yet it is an important issue to consider as we strive for a society that values animal welfare. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why dogs get euthanized in shelters and the important steps that can be taken to reduce the number of homeless dogs in need of a loving home. We will also discuss the importance of spaying and neutering pets, adopting from shelters, and donating to animal welfare organizations. By understanding why and how dog euthanasia occurs, we can work together to ensure that all dogs have a safe place to call home.

Facts about Pet Ownership in the U.S.:

Its estimated that 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats are owned in the United States. Approximately 44% of all households in the United States have a dog, and 35% have a cat. (Source: American Pet Products Association 2015-2016 (APPA))

Approximately 40% of dog owners and 46% of cat owners learned about their pet through word of mouth. (Source: APPA)

According to the APPA, these are the most common sources from which primary methods cats and dogs are obtained as pets (Note: this information was based on a multiple response question, which results in the total % exceeding 100% individually for cats and dogs. In addition, the ‘other’ category includes all source categories that were reported by <10% of both dog and cat owners):

Dogs	Cats
Animal Shelter/Humane Society	23%	31%
Friends/Relatives	20%	28%
Breeder	34%	3%
Stray	6%	27%
Private Party	12%	6%
Other	32%	39%

APPA reports that 34% of dogs are purchased from breeders, while 23% of dogs and 31% of cats are obtained from an animal shelter or humane society.

Around 27% of cats are acquired as strays, down from 35% in 2012. (Source: APPA)

According to the ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey, pet problems are the most common reason that owners rehome their pet, accounting for 47% of rehomed dogs and 42% of rehomed cats. Pet problems were defined as problematic behaviors, aggressive behaviors, grew larger than expected, or health problems owner couldn’t handle.

The preceding data are ASPCA estimates unless otherwise indicated.

How is the HSUS helping to end the use of gas chambers?

The HSUS has long supported shelters in their voluntary switch to euthanasia by injection from the gas chamber by offering grants, training, and advocating for the enactment of laws that outright ban the use of the gas chamber. Since 2013, roughly 70 chambers have voluntarily closed in 13 states. In addition, states like Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and California have closed legal loopholes that allowed some chambers to continue to operate. However, only 27 states have complete bans in place, and at least four still employ gas chambers. To ensure that no animal’s life ever ends in a gas chamber, our ultimate goal is to have bans enacted in all 50 states.

Occasionally a pet becomes aggressive after spending weeks, months or even years in a cage. This is essentially a reaction to the continued confinement and is usually referred to as “kennel crazy.” Although an animal who has gone kennel crazy can exhibit signs ranging from depression to anxiety, aggression is often the least treatable and may lead to euthanasia.

Every year, 2. Around 36% of animals who enter animal shelters in the United States, or 7 million pets, are put to death.

The most obvious reason for euthanasia in animal shelters is also the most preventable. Pet overpopulation is a serious problem in the United States, leaving animal shelters over capacity and overwhelmed.

Those are difficult statistics to swallow for an animal lover, and it’s natural to want to place the blame for those deaths on the shelters. Before pointing the finger, though, consider these 3 major reasons why shelters have to euthanize pets.

Other dangerous conditions are deadly and highly contagious, such as feline panleukopenia and canine parvovirus. When pets are not treated with tick and heartworm preventives, Lyme disease and heartworm infection are common and expensive to treat.

FAQ

Does a dog feel pain when euthanized?

The animal loses consciousness as the solution is injected, and minutes later its heart and lungs stop working. The animal is unconscious and has no sensations.

What is the main reason dogs end up in shelters?

Lifestyle Changes. Dogs frequently end up in shelters due to people experiencing difficulties with their health, losing their jobs, getting divorced, having a new baby, or having a new parent.

Why do dogs get euthanized if not adopted?

The most obvious and preventable cause of animal euthanasia in shelters is neglect. In the United States, pet overpopulation is a serious issue that has overcrowded and overburdened animal shelters.

Why do dogs have to be euthanized?

When other methods to lessen pain and distress are no longer effective, a veterinarian may advise euthanasia, which is a humane death. When you least expect it, such as if your pet has a terminal illness or has been involved in a disabling accident, euthanasia may be advised.