Hello Reader,
The current status of animal shelters indicates that intake trends for both cats and dogs resemble pre-pandemic levels. There is a slight decrease in owner surrenders but an increase in stray intake. As expected during kitten season, shelters are anticipating a surge of kittens.
Cats and kittens are faring better this year, with increased adoptions and live outcomes. However, dogs are encountering significant challenges. In 2023, approximately 50,000 more dogs were euthanized compared to 2022, and they are experiencing prolonged stays in shelters. This continuous bottleneck of dogs, which started during the pandemic persists, resulting in shelters being overcrowded with highly adoptable dogs and puppies awaiting homes..
2024 is likely to mirror 2023 unless we address some of the critical issues creating the bottleneck:
- Restore transport numbers to pre-pandemic levels.
- Address the critical vet and vet tech shortages keeping adoptable pets stuck in shelters.
- Rebuild foster and volunteer programs to their pre-pandemic capacity.
- Streamline and enhance the adoption process to appeal to today’s pet acquisition market.
- Increase the number of staff positions allocated to getting pets out of the shelter system, including adoption counselors, lost pet reunification specialists, and foster coordinators.
Join me for Dogs and Data, a six-part webinar series hosted by Pedigree Foundation and Shelter Animals Count. Register here to attend live or watch recorded sessions at your convenience. Facing a space crisis at your shelter or rescue now? Learn 12 simple ways to decrease your kennel census today.
Sincerely,
Kristen
