We Need Solutions!

This is a complex problem with many aspects but in general the goal is to decrease euthanasia by
1) Decreasing the number of animals being produced,
2) Decrease the number of animals entering shelters,
3) Increase the number of pets who return home,
4) Increase the number of pets adopted, and
5) Work to change pet-unfriendly laws.

1) Decrease the overall number of animals being produced each year.

A great way to start is to decrease to overall number of animals being produced each year.

Every individual pet parent can help solve this part of the problem by choosing not to bring more pups and kittens into the world - spay and neuter your own pets. Yes, babies are cute, but if you really want more puppies or kittens, there are usually some at local rescue facilities that are already born and already homeless.

We can also change our buying patterns for animals and pets. About 12% of cats and 20% of dogs are purchased through a pet store or breeder. Many of these animals come from "puppy mills." Almost 10,000 unethical puppy mills (commercial breeding facilities that sacrifice the care for the animals for profitability) produce thousands of babies with no home. Once the breeding mama has outlived her usefulness she is often abandoned, having no idea how to live outside a small cage.

Of course shutting down these facilities is the long-term goal, but everyone can help by avoiding pet stores or unregulated breeding facilities when getting a new pet. According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are approximately 2.6 million puppies sold from puppy mills each year.  If we can replace puppy mill production with rescue pup adoption, we can save many of the rescue animals from dying.

2) Decrease the number of animals entering shelters

Animals can end up in shelters for many reasons.

According to ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey, 46% of rehomed (given to a new owner or shelter) dogs and cats are due to “pet problems” defined as aggressive behaviors, destruction, and health problems owner couldn’t handle. Discounted or free training and veterinary cost assistance can help negate these concerns and let pets remain with their people.

About 18% of dogs and cats are surrendered, or given to shelters, due to housing issues, such as landlord objections. Changing pet-unfriendly laws and regulations would also help pets remain with their humans longer.

Sadly, about 7.2% of animals in shelters are there due to financial reasons and economic hardship. Discounted or free vet care and pet supplies can help animals remain with their humans.

Even if animals are lucky enough to be adopted, up to 20% of them are returned to the shelter within 6 months. For dogs, aggression was the biggest reason given for returning the animal. This again suggests a need for more training (perhaps while in the shelter itself), which can modify these behaviors and help the animal adjust to their new home.

3) Increase the number of pets who are returned home

Using identification tags or even microchipping pets can greatly increase chances of them returning home. Even indoor animals can escape and, without a collar or ID, can end up in a shelter.

If you are moving, make sure to take your pet with you. Ensure your pet has a collar with the animal's name and an updated phone number to contact you on.

If you choose to microchip your pets (we at Fun-Loving Fur-Babies are microchipped), make sure you keep the contact information updated so your pet can find you again.

4) Increase the number of pets adopted

Many animals end up dead simply because no one knows that they need a home. Some shelters are so overpopulated that animals have as few as 3-5 days to be adopted before being killed. So, we need to help shelters advertise for their animals. Even if you can't adopt an animal yourself - sharing a picture on Facebook or mentioning rescues to a friend who is looking to get a new pet may just save a life. If you are feeling energetic, go to a local shelter and take some of your own pictures and share them on your social media sites - every click is one more chance to save a life.

5) Work to change pet-unfriendly laws

Most states have no-kill laws in place but there are still several states that have minimal animal protection laws, including still allowing euthanasia. As Texas, California, North Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana have the highest rates of killings, we will start there.

Pet Passion Projects - Working Towards Solutions

  • Paige's Passion Project

    I know what it is to be hungry as I was homeless for years. My Pet Project is to provide food for rescue animals.

  • Ruby Sue's Passion Project

    I was rescued from a breeder where I was used as a breeding dog, so for my Pet Project, I want to get rid of unethical puppy mills.

  • Ivy's Passion Project

    My favorite thing to do is learn new things (and play ball). So, my Pet Project is to connect pet parents to training or vet assistance so pets stay happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

  • Sparkle's Passion Project

    I want to see lost animals returned to their families so my Pet Project is to increase the use of microchipping and other methods of identifying pets.

  • Lulu's Project

    I'm the baby and just want to play so I want to make sure all pups have toys to play with.

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