Animal Sheltering: Past and Present

In the United States, animal sheltering dates back more than 200 years to the 1800s. At that time, there was a need for addressing animal control (primarily dogs), related public safety issues (such as rabies), and prevention of cruelty to animals. Most facilities were originally designed to admit large numbers of dogs for only brief periods of time. Since then, animal sheltering has evolved considerably.

Today’s sheltering services are diverse and range the spectrum from those provided by large, well-funded “brick and mortar” facilities to those of small, loosely organized grass-roots groups or individuals. For some animals, shelter stays continue to be short, whereas others may receive extended, even lifetime, care. Intake and subsequent euthanasia have both declined substantially in many communities.

2024 Animal Shelter Statistics from the ASPCA and Shelter Animals Count

• 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in 2024, down only slightly from the year before. The number of dogs and cats entering shelters and rescues last year is evenly split, with both populations contributing to the overall slight decline in shelter intake.
• The length of time dogs, especially large dogs, are staying in shelters before being adopted has increased in the last 5 years, adding strain to an already overburdened shelter system. This extended length of time animals are staying in shelters contributes to the ongoing capacity crisis, limiting space for new animals.
• 4.2 million shelter animals were adopted into loving homes in 2024, approximately the same number of animals adopted as the year before. Unfortunately, not enough animals were adopted to significantly reduce the number of dogs and cats in shelters nationwide.
• Approximately 607,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2024, decreasing by approximately 2% compared to 2023. In the past five years, euthanasia rates have dropped from 13% in 2019 to 8% in 2024.
• Approximately 2 million dogs were adopted in 2024, 554,000 were returned to their owner, 334,000 were euthanized, and 524,000 were transferred to other organizations.
• Approximately 2.2 million cats were adopted in 2024, 362,000 were returned to their owner or the field, 273,000 were euthanized, and 369,000 were transferred to other organizations.