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HSUS Pet Overpopulation Estimates

Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year: 6-8 million (HSUS estimate)

Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year: 3-4 million (HSUS estimate)

Number of cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year: 3-4 million (HSUS estimate)

Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year: Between 600,000 and 750,000—30 percent of dogs and 2-5 percent of cats entering shelters (HSUS estimate)

Number of animal shelters in the United States: Between 4,000 and 6,000 (HSUS estimate)

Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred: 25 percent (HSUS estimate)

Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3

Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4-6

Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2

Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10

Unless otherwise indicated, statistics provided by The National Council on Pet Population, Study and Policy. Updated July 7, 2008.

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