Do you know how many pets are in the United States? Approximately 6.3 million animals are in shelters annually. Of those, about 3.2 million are cats, and 3.1 million are dogs. In honor of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Mt. Carmel Animal Hospital in Monkton, MD, wants to inform you about homeless pet statistics.
Facts on Animal Shelters in the United States
Each year, approximately a total of 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized. Of those, 390,000 are dogs, and 530,000 are cats. Additionally, that number was much higher 10 years ago at around 2.6 million. Fortunately, this wonderful trend can be because more owners are recovering their strays. Microchips are also an excellent way to ensure your pet will be returned to you should they ever get lost. In addition, more people are adopting animals in recent years. Also, about 4.1 million U.S. shelter animals are adopted yearly – 2.1 million cats and 2 million dogs.
U.S. Pet Ownership Facts
Moreover, an estimated 85.8 million cats and 78 million dogs are under ownership in the United States. Since pets have such a positive impact on their families, we can understand why those numbers are so high! So, the ideal way to show your appreciation for unconditional love, fun, and loyalty is to adopt a pet in need.
To further celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in Monkton and the surrounding areas, take a moment to appreciate Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS), which cares for more than 10,000 pets annually. They are a non-profit organization operating Maryland’s most significant animal shelter and pet adoption center. BARCS is also an open-admission shelter, accepting every neglected, abandoned, lost, or abused animal that enters the building. We are fortunate enough to work with BARCS and meet some of these amazing fur babies.
Background on BARCS
BARCS always takes in new animals looking for a loving home every day. Their adoptive fees vary with multiple adoption packages available. Remember that animals listed on their adoption pages might still be on stray hold, pending reunion with their owners, or have an existing pending adoption application. Some animals get adopted immediately, and their photos never make it onto their website – which is excellent!
Along with adoptable dogs and cats, BARCS also takes in other animals, such as turtles, rabbits, and pigs. Please check back if the animal you want is not on the organization’s website! They are constantly taking in new animals daily! The best way you can be sure of who is up for adoption is to take a drive out to their facility.
Besides animal adoption services, BARCS also provides resources and low-cost services to people and pets within the Baltimore, Maryland, community. Additionally, free and low-cost medical vaccine clinics, public food banks, and off-site community days are some of the ways they help pet parents in need. For more information about National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, visit our website!
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!