Shelter Animals Count (SAC), the most trusted and current source for animal sheltering data, today released their Annual Analysis report, comparing animal sheltering from 2023 to 2022, 2021 and 2019 (pre-pandemic). Download the full report PDF here.

In 2023, over 6.5 million animals (3.3 million cats and 3.2 million dogs) entered animal shelters and rescue organizations, about the same number as 2022 and up slightly from 2021. Of these, 48% came in as strays, and 25% were surrendered by their owners. Shelters across the country are full, and are now entering their fourth year of having too many animals and not enough adoptions—especially for dogs. Because many shelters and rescues are operating at- or over-capacity, the number of surrenders and overall intake is likely lower than it would be if space were available.

“Of greater concern than the volume of animals entering shelters, even, is the ongoing reality that more animals are entering shelters than leaving, perpetuating this national capacity crisis,” said Stephanie Filer, Executive Director for Shelter Animals Count.  “A total of 900,000 additional animals have entered and lingered in our nation’s shelters since January of 2021. That’s nearly a million more dogs and cats on top of the population already residing within organizations.”

Although 150,000 fewer dogs entered shelters than cats, 2023 is the first year since the creation of The National Database in 2016 that the number of dogs euthanized surpassed the number of cats euthanized. Of the total number of dogs and cats euthanized in 2023, 359,000 were dogs and 330,000 were cats. The number of dogs euthanized in 2023 is the highest number in the past five years. Overall, non-live outcomes (including died in care, lost in care and shelter euthanasia) are on the rise since the start of the pandemic for both cats and dogs, accounting for 850,000 animals. Non-live outcomes accounts for 11% of outcomes overall, and shelter euthanasia accounts for 9% of intake.

Non-live outcomes for dogs have increased 24% compared to 2022 (totaling 78,000 more dogs) and have increased 64% compared to 2021 (totaling 157,000 more dogs). 

In 2023, 6,010,000 dogs and cats had a live outcome into their community, including adoption, return to field or return to owner. Adoption rates are increasing, especially for cats, with 61% of dogs and cats taken into shelters or rescues leaving through adoption. 2.6 million cats (65% of total intake) and 2.2 million dogs (56% of total intake) were adopted in 2023.–– 

“With more animals entering shelters than leaving, animal welfare organizations and their communities need to continue working together to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters, including finding ways to increase access to veterinary care and advocating for pet-friendly housing policies,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. “The ASPCA partners with hundreds of shelters and rescues across the country to help homeless dogs and cats through relocation, training, sharing resources, and legislative advocacy, and we ask the public to join us in continuing to support shelters and rescues by adopting, fostering, volunteering, and urging their elected officials to adequately resource this vital public service.”

There are many ways individuals can become part of the solution to the shelter crisis in 2024. Animal organizations urgently request and appreciate community support, asking that people adopt or foster from local shelters or rescue organizations, spay or neuter their pets, and volunteer or donate. 

“The crisis shelters are facing does not originate within the shelters,” Filer said. “Shelters need help now more than ever. This is a community problem that requires a community solution.”

Comments from a recent SAC survey of shelter and rescue groups highlight the issue they’re facing:

“We are trying to empty a river of unwanted pets with a small bucket,” said Kelley Kimble, President, Briscoe Animal Resource Center of Uvalde, TX. “We have to increase spay/neuter responsibility to ever make a difference.”

“We ALWAYS have a full shelter and a long wait list to accept new cat and dog intakes,” said Jeanne Stelmak, Director of Four Footed Friends, Indiana, PA. “The answer is not to build more shelters. No matter how many are built, there will still always be a need for more. We want to help every animal in need but sadly, we do not have the space or manpower to do that. We need individuals to help.”

“We ask that people stop supporting backyard breeders/at-home breeders. We receive at least one litter of intentionally bred puppies per week that the breeder was unable to sell,” said Jeannie Lambert, Animal Care Manager, Humane Society of Utah. “There aren’t enough homes for the number of animals being rehomed right now. Carefully consider your lifestyle before committing to a pet but also carefully consider all options before rehoming your pet.”

Shifting from buying puppies to adopting homeless pets has become increasingly critical to help struggling shelters.  

“Opting to adopt from shelters or rescue groups not only saves lives but it also sends a much-needed message of support to struggling shelters and their staff,” Filer said. “Adopting a pet is also the most sustainable and socially-conscious choice, which helps alleviate the shelter crisis, rather than compounding it. 

“Sites like AdoptAPet.com make it easy for prospective pet parents to find any size, age, breed, or species they’re looking for from thousands of animal sheltering organizations across the U.S.,” Filer added. “And for those not ready to adopt, fostering is also a wonderful way to help, as it offers animals a break from the shelter environment, and lightens the load for overburdened shelter staff, even temporarily.” 

About Shelter Animals Count (SAC): SAC is a collaborative, industry-led nonprofit organization formed by a diverse group of animal welfare agencies to create and share The National Database of sheltered animal statistics, providing facts and enabling insights that will improve animal welfare throughout the country.