What Happens to Animals When They Are Not Adopted?

Shelters and rescue organizations are inundated with unwanted animals every day. Some organizations have physical locations, and others rely on foster homes for the animals they help. Sometimes there just aren't enough resources to help animals, and that's when further actions are taken.

  1. Euthanasia

    • According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, 56.5 percent of dogs that entered shelters were euthanized. Regarding cats, 71.1 percent that entered shelters and were not adopted were destroyed. While some of these animals are put down due to humane issues, many are put down by "kill shelters" when there aren't enough resources to handle them.

    Rescue Organizations

    • Many "kill shelters" have a network of rescue organizations that will take pets that are about to be put down and try to adopt them out. Even if an organization is not affiliated with a shelter, many shelters have agreements to allow this to occur.

    Reunited with Owners

    • According to the American Humane Association, 15 percent of dogs that enter shelters are reunited with their rightful owners, compared to only 2 percent of cats.

    No-Kill Solutions

    • Shelters that have a policy of keeping an animal until they are adopted are called "no kill" shelters. Many people do not know that no-kill organizations exist before surrendering their pet to a dog or cat shelter. These organizations are committed to giving each animal a home, no matter how long it takes.

    Prevention

    • Spaying or neutering animals keeps them from producing unwanted offspring, who may be dumped alongside the road or surrendered to shelters. Keeping proper identification and licenses on pets at all times, even indoors, improves their chances of being reunited with their owners.