The thought of abandoned pets is sad and scary. We love our cats and dogs and would be devastated if they ever became lost to us, or ended up in a shelter. At the same, we see that many pets need a proper home, and would rather avoid the dreaded puppy mill. These four facts about animal homelessness and pet abandonment are eye-opening while showing how adoption and rescue services need your help.

What You Need To Know About Homeless Animals

These statistics come from the Humane Society and the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). We also cite well-known experts such as Jackson Galaxy and numerous vets.

649,000 Animals In Animal Shelters Are Pets Returned To Their Owners

For your pet’s health, we request that you do not let your dog or cat free-roam neighborhoods or areas. The reason is that they can easily end up hurt, killed, or caught by animal control and sent to a shelter. Owners may also lose their pets during natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornados, or they get separated during the terrible weather.

If you want your cat or dog to have outdoor time, set up an enclosed space. Cats will be satisfied with a “catio,” a patio with appropriate screening. For dogs, test your fences to make sure that they can’t escape if you want them to have outside time when you are not at home. Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers are great jumpers and diggers. Pull out all the stops and if possible, set up a camera monitor to keep an eye on the at all times. Take advantage of pet-friendly workplaces to bring your dogs and cats, so as to keep them safe.

Out Of 6-8 Millions Dogs And Cats In Shelters, Only 4 Million Are Adopted

First, we commend pet owners that go out and adopt from shelters and rescue homes. You save a life when you rescue a stray dog or cat. Shelters always need volunteers and donations as well, so they will appreciate the help as the numbers go down.

There used to be 13 million animals in shelters annually but the numbers have gradually reduced thanks to increased awareness among pet owners. Spaying and neutering makes as difference, as does changing opinions that owners can’t just surrender dogs and cats to shelters when they get bored.

Cats Can Fill Up To Two-Thirds Of Shelters

Kitten season happens between April and October. This refers to when cats have their litters, which often leads to shelters being overloaded. While shelter volunteers are willing to rescue as many kittens as they can, it can prove taxing to bottle feed, clean up, and teach them to be independent while finding homes for them.

During kitten season, we recommend volunteering or fostering if you can, and donating extra supplies as a cat owner. Unweaned kittens need to be bottle fed and cleaned every two to three hours. They can start on solid food when they are three to four weeks old, gradually.

Only Two Percent Of Feral Cats Are Neutered

It may sound absurd, but spaying and neutering is essential for keeping down the population of homeless animals.

There are vets and groups that will trap cats, spay or neuter them, and then return them to their communities. They often need donations or volunteers willing to spay and neuter ferals.

Support Local Shelters And Remote Ones With Rescue Strays

Rescue Strays will always stress “adopt, don’t shop”. Our organization works to rescue homeless cats and dogs, and give them a home.

Reach out to us today to learn how you can help our animal companions. We want to reduce the number of homeless companions left on the streets.