Animal Welfare And Shelter Info
The Hidden Crisis Facing Dogs in 2025
How Economic Instability Is Driving Record Surrenders and Straining Animal Welfare Systems
Across the United States, shelters, rescues, and veterinary professionals are confronting a sustained pressure that reflects broader economic strain on households. Dogs that once lived securely in homes are now entering shelters for reasons that often have little to do with behavior and everything to do with cost, housing, and access to veterinary care. Available national data and long-term research show that this is not a temporary spike. It is part of a deeper structural problem in how we support pets and the families who love them.
- What the data show about intake, outcomes, and shelter pressure
Shelter Animals Count, which compiles data from thousands of shelters and rescues, estimates that about 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters in 2024. This is approximately one percent fewer than in 2023 and about eleven percent fewer than in 2019, yet it still represents a large national volume.
During the same period, about 5.2 million animals left shelters alive through adoption, return to owner, or transfer, while about 748,000 experienced non live outcomes. Non live outcomes for cats declined compared with 2019, but the euthanasia rate for dogs rose from about seven percent in 2019 to about nine percent in 2024.
Shelter Animals Count also reports that most community intakes are strays, with owner relinquishments representing a significant minority. Their 2024 analysis indicates that roughly sixty percent of community intakes are strays, while about twenty nine percent are relinquished pets.
A mid year 2024 analysis found that from January to June, about 3.12 million dogs and cats entered shelters while only about 2.8 million left. This created a capacity gap of more than 322,000 animals in the first six months alone, leaving many shelters operating at or above capacity.
Although national intake has decreased modestly since 2019, the system remains stretched beyond its limits. Dogs, particularly medium and large breeds, are staying longer and experiencing higher non live outcome rates.
Early reports from shelters indicate that 2025 may present even more significant challenges. Shelters in multiple states, including New Jersey, have reported through interviews, public meetings, and municipal updates that they are already seeing an increase in owner surrender requests, longer waitlists for intake, and greater pressure on kennel space. Several shelter directors have noted that economic hardship, housing instability, and rising veterinary costs are driving intakes upward faster than anticipated. Although national data for 2025 have not yet been compiled or released, the on-the-ground experience in New Jersey and other regions suggests that overall intake for 2025 may end materially higher than 2024 if current patterns continue. Shelters consistently warn that if these trends persist, more dogs will remain for longer periods, more families will be forced to surrender for economic reasons, and more municipalities will face growing pressure on budgets, staffing, and veterinary resources.
- Economic and housing pressures that lead families to surrender dogs
The relationship between financial hardship, housing stability, and pet surrender has been documented for years. A national peer reviewed rehoming study conducted for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimated that about 6.12 million households rehome or surrender their pets over a five year period, meaning more than one million households each year.
In that study, the most common primary reasons for rehoming were pet related issues, family circumstances, and housing challenges. Among those who cited a pet related issue, about twenty six percent reported that they could not afford the medical care their pet needed. For households earning less than fifty thousand dollars, the most frequently requested support was free or low cost veterinary care, followed by pet inclusive housing and basic supplies.
Dr Emily Weiss of the ASPCA emphasized that “many reasons given by the respondents might have been resolved through affordable, accessible veterinary care and pet friendly housing.”
A separate analysis published by Time magazine on rising street cat populations in major U.S. cities reported that inflation, veterinary price increases, and housing instability have contributed to both abandonment and surrender. Advocates explained that economic hardship and limited pet friendly housing are common factors.
It is also important to recognize that many households were already struggling in 2023 as inflation, rising rents, and increased prices for basic goods placed pressure on family budgets. These challenges did not ease for a significant portion of the population. As a result, the economic conditions shaping 2025 may prove to be far greater in their effect on animal welfare. Families who were barely managing pet related expenses in 2023 and 2024 are increasingly unable to absorb continued increases in food prices, veterinary care costs, and housing fees. These worsening conditions are expected to influence both surrender rates and the overall strain on shelters throughout 2025.
Additional context from the New Jersey Veterans Association
Advocates within the New Jersey Veterans Association have raised concerns that many New Jersey veterans face the same pressures documented in national research. The Association has emphasized that economic strain, rising veterinary costs, and limited access to pet friendly housing place veterans at elevated risk of losing their companion animals. They have stressed that dogs provide emotional support, stability, and meaningful mental health benefits for many veterans, and that forced loss of a pet due to financial hardship can significantly affect overall well being.
The Association reports that veterans frequently ask for assistance with veterinary expenses, short term boarding during housing transitions, and support in finding pet inclusive rental units. These observations closely mirror national findings that financial and housing pressures are major contributors to pet relinquishment, particularly among lower income households.
- Rising veterinary costs and the affordability gap
The cost of veterinary care has grown much faster than general inflation. United States Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that the consumer price index for veterinary services rose from about 236 in 2015 to about 390 in 2025, an increase of roughly sixty five percent.
Annual inflation within veterinary services has also been consistently high, with increases of about 8.8 percent in 2022, 9.4 percent in 2023, and 7.4 percent in 2024.
A 2024 survey of two thousand dog and cat owners found that fewer than half of respondents felt financially prepared for a pet medical emergency. The report explained that this share declined compared with the prior year, while the average cost of emergency care continued to rise.
This widening affordability gap makes it more likely that owners will delay necessary care, skip preventive treatment, or surrender pets with treatable medical issues.
- Who pays when dogs cannot stay in their homes
When families, including veterans and lower income households, surrender dogs because they cannot afford care or housing, the financial burden shifts to the community.
Local governments and taxpayers fund animal control services, shelter operations, staff salaries, essential supplies, and a share of veterinary care. Municipal shelters carry the largest share of intake volume, and the rising non live outcome rate for dogs increases municipal medical and operational costs.
Donors and nonprofit rescues absorb significant costs as well. Rescues manage complicated medical cases, provide behavioral supports, coordinate transfers, and pay for medical procedures that municipal budgets often cannot cover. In 2024, rescues were responsible for about fifteen percent of total intake and more than half of all transfers.
Communities also absorb indirect costs such as increased stray populations, concerns about public health, and expanded enforcement duties for animal control.
Matt Bershadker, President and Chief Executive of the ASPCA, underscored the importance of prevention by stating that “we need to focus just as much on keeping pets from entering shelters in the first place.”
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What 2026 is likely to bring if no changes are made
Shelter Animals Count reports that dogs are staying longer in care, and non live outcomes for dogs are rising compared with 2019. Large breed dogs are among the most affected.
Their mid year 2024 analysis shows that intake exceeded outcomes by more than 322,000 animals in the first half of the year. This suggests that many shelters remain crowded even as total national intake appears slightly lower than in 2019.
If economic strain, housing instability, and rising veterinary costs continue without intervention, several outcomes are likely in 2026.
Sustained overcrowding in shelters, especially for medium and large breed dogs and special needs populations
Greater financial strain on municipalities tasked with funding animal control, shelter operations, and emergency care
Continued risk of rising euthanasia for dogs who remain in care for extended periods
Increased pressure on rescues that already operate at or above capacity
Larger effects on vulnerable households, including veterans, seniors, renters, and lower income families
Heightened concern among community members as overcrowding, budget pressure, and preventable animal suffering become more visible
Shelters across New Jersey have stated that 2025 intake may increase significantly if current patterns continue. If those concerns are confirmed, 2026 will likely bring even higher intake, longer lengths of stay, and deeper financial strain for both shelters and municipalities. Without structural changes such as expanded access to veterinary care, increased support for pet inclusive housing, and investment in programs that keep families and pets together, these pressures may escalate into a significant animal welfare crisis.
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The Impending Crisis in New Jersey Animal Shelters: A Public Health and Safety Catastrophe
Are you aware of a major issue that's about to explode in New Jersey involving animal shelters and impoundments? For years, the state has ignored growing problems, including severe overcrowding in shelters, the influx of imported dogs, and a surge in backyard puppy-mill breeders exacerbated by economic pressures. The result? Shelters are overwhelmed, and many are now being forced to not renew their contracts with municipalities to serve as impoundment facilities.
In your district alone, several municipalities are about to lose their contracted impoundment facilities. This raises critical questions: What will happen to stray dogs? Where will they be held if they bite someone or need to be quarantined? And what about the victims of these bites?
Public Health Impact: The Rabies Risk
This shortage of impoundment facilities presents an urgent public health concern. Under N.J.A.C. 8:23A-1.9, any dog that bites a person must be confined and observed for 10 days to ensure it does not have rabies. Rabies is a deadly viral disease, transmittable through the saliva of an infected animal, that poses a severe risk to the health of bite victims and the wider community. Without an impoundment facility, where will municipalities safely quarantine these dogs to comply with this crucial law?
The law mandates that local health departments and veterinarians monitor these dogs during their confinement period to check for signs of rabies. If the dog is not confined properly, it's nearly impossible to determine whether it was rabid. This may force the bite victim to undergo painful, costly post-exposure treatment—a burden that could be avoided with proper facilities.
Shockingly, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has reportedly claimed there is nothing they can do to address the shortage of available shelters. We are currently working on this issue and have written to Commissioner Baston and Dr. Darby McDermott of the NJDOH to urge further action. Without places to safely quarantine animals, the entire system of rabies control in the state could collapse, endangering public health.
Animal Cruelty Impoundments: A Looming Welfare Crisis
This isn't just a public health issue; it's a looming crisis for animal welfare too. Where will law enforcement impound dogs seized due to cruelty if municipalities no longer have impoundment facilities? Should these animals be left to live in cruel conditions, effectively forcing law enforcement to ignore New Jersey's Title 4 animal cruelty laws?
Title 4 of New Jersey law allows law enforcement to seize animals that are neglected, abandoned, lack proper shelter, food, or water, or are subjected to inhumane treatment, including fighting. If no facilities are available, these animals could be left to continue suffering in these harmful environments, a direct violation of the protections set in place to ensure their well-being.
This inability to act could damage public trust. The community could perceive law enforcement as indifferent to animal suffering, undermining the relationship between officers and the public they serve. It would also mean allowing dogs to remain in unsafe conditions, further risking their health and safety.
If your community is experiencing or is anticipated to experience the same crisis, please let us know. Just click on the "CONTACT" button at the top of the page.
Animal Shelters
Americans are facing a daunting challenge: the growing struggle to afford their beloved pets. This issue has been magnified by the Covid-19 pandemic, which initially saw a heartwarming surge in pet adoptions and fosterings as millions of Americans sought companionship and solace during periods of lockdown and isolation. Indeed, in the early days of the pandemic, animal shelters experienced record adoption rates, with heartwarming stories of empty shelters making headlines and spreading positivity.
However, as the pandemic progressed and the novelty of pet ownership wore off for some, shelters began to fill up once again. By 2021, the influx of animals entering shelters began to outpace the rate at which they were being adopted or fostered, leading to overcrowded conditions in many facilities across the country. This surge in intake has placed immense strain on animal shelters, pushing them to their limits and forcing them to make difficult decisions, including an increase in euthanizations due to space constraints.
The reasons behind this crisis are multifaceted. One significant factor is the economic strain facing many Americans, particularly low-income families, who are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the costs associated with pet ownership. Beyond the initial adoption fee, pet owners must contend with expenses such as food, veterinary care, and grooming, which can quickly add up. Furthermore, the national housing crisis has exacerbated this issue, with affordable, pet-friendly housing becoming increasingly scarce. Many rental properties impose restrictions on pet breeds or sizes, making it challenging for pet owners to find suitable accommodations.
Additionally, the rising costs of veterinary care have placed a considerable burden on pet owners. Veterinary costs have outpaced inflation, driven by factors such as increases in the cost of medical supplies and a shortage of veterinarians. Corporate takeovers of veterinary clinics have also been cited as contributing to rising costs. This financial strain has forced some pet owners to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender their pets to shelters, as they can no longer afford to provide them with the care they need.
Another contributing factor to the shelter crisis is the surge in stray animals, which has overwhelmed shelters across the country. While owner surrender rates have declined in recent years, the number of stray intakes has risen significantly. Some of these strays may be pets that were surreptitiously abandoned by their owners, while others may have genuinely been lost or abandoned on the streets.
The pandemic-related restrictions on surrender appointments at animal shelters have also played a role in the increase in strays. Many shelters suspended walk-in surrenders during the pandemic, requiring pet owners to make appointments instead. The high demand for surrender appointments has led to long waitlists at many shelters, prompting some individuals to falsely claim that they found stray animals in order to expedite the surrender process.
Furthermore, the pandemic has led to behavioral challenges for some pets as they adjust to post-lockdown life. Dogs, in particular, may struggle with separation anxiety or behavioral issues when their owners return to work or resume social activities outside the home. These challenges can be daunting for pet owners to address, especially if they lack the time or resources to invest in training and behavioral therapy.
Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope in the midst of the crisis. Cat adoption rates have seen a significant increase compared to dog adoption rates, which can be attributed in part to the lower costs and fewer housing restrictions associated with cat ownership. This trend reflects a shifting preference among pet adopters and provides some relief for shelters struggling to accommodate an influx of animals.
In light of the ongoing shelter crisis, individuals are urged to take action to support their local animal shelters. This can include adopting or fostering animals in need, volunteering time and resources to assist shelter staff, and making financial donations to support shelter operations. By coming together as a community, we can help alleviate the strain on animal shelters and ensure that every pet receives the care and support they deserve.
A Brief History - Know where shelters came from so you can see how far they have come!
Let's delve into the historical roots of animal shelters and understand how they have evolved over time. The concept of animal shelters originated in response to the recognized issue of animal cruelty in Britain during the 1820s. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was established in 1824 to address this concern, aiming to reshape perceptions of how dogs were treated.
The SPCA made its way to the United States in 1866, founded by Henry Burgh. Despite facing mockery and ridicule, the SPCA continued to grow. In 1869, just three years later, the Women’s SPCA of Pennsylvania set up the first animal shelter, which remains operational over 150 years later. This shelter, serving as Bucks County PA’s only open-intake facility, provides adoption, training, and veterinary services.
Women’s Animal Center, established shortly after, pioneered one of the first humane education programs in America, emphasizing working with youth to foster a more compassionate future for animals. While the early shelters primarily accommodated horses, their scope expanded over the years to include dogs, cats, and other small animals, with some rescues focusing on livestock.
The term "the pound" originated in the 80s, coinciding with the popularity of stuffed animals called "pound puppies." In that era, animal rescue and welfare were not as prominent, and spay/neuter programs were not as widespread. The term itself hails from older agricultural communities, where loose livestock was held in pens until their owners retrieved them, similar to contemporary car impound lots.
Looking at improvements since the early days of sheltering, significant strides have been made. In the past, more stray animals were euthanized, and there was less emphasis on animal welfare and population control. Today, many shelters collaborate with trainers specializing in behavioral training and rehabilitation to enhance the chances of dogs thriving in family homes. The use of foster homes has also become common, providing a quieter and less stressful environment for animals to recover and transition to their forever families.
Municipal shelters in NJ operate as open-intake facilities, mandated to accept any animal that arrives at their doors. However, these shelters often face challenges due to being underfunded or understaffed.
Private shelters play a crucial role by pulling dogs from open-intake shelters. However, if these private shelters are at full capacity or have concerns about finding a suitable home for an animal, they may have the right to turn animals away.
Alternatively, some individuals may opt for smaller or breed-specific rescues. For instance, if someone has a fondness for Cavalier King Charles dogs, they might choose to volunteer with a Cavalier-specific rescue. These groups may rescue Cavaliers from shelters or assist dogs in finding new homes if their original owner is unable to care for them due to various reasons.
Regardless of preferences, there are ample opportunities for individuals to contribute to helping dogs in shelters or with rescue groups. For those seeking to adopt a new canine companion, exploring various shelters and contacting rescues is a viable approach. By communicating your preferences to adoption coordinators, they can assist you in finding the perfect match for your home.
How Does the State of NJ Define Animal Shelters, Pounds?
WHAT ARE IMPOUNDMENT FACILITIES?
The state of NJ must adhere to the laws and regulations defined by state representatives in Trenton, NJ. It's important to note that lawmakers are not necessarily lawyers, and laws and regulations are crafted to allow interpretation and adaptability based on evolving knowledge and improved practices. The nature of laws is dynamic, allowing for changes as our understanding grows and we strive to do better. This fluidity in laws can sometimes lead to confusion for some individuals, but it reflects the ongoing process of adjusting and improving regulations over time.
Who are you going to call?
Occasionally, individuals contact animal control regarding concerns related to animal cruelty. As of February 1, 2018, this practice was discontinued, aligning with the establishment of the Humane Law Enforcement position by the NJ legislature.
To provide clarity on when to reach out to the authorities, follow this simple guideline:
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If an animal is threatening or harming another animal or a person, contact Animal Control. (ANIMALs hurting animals or people = ANIMAL CONTROL)
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If a person is causing harm to an animal, call the police. (PERSON hurting ANIMALS = POLICE)
Shelter Access
Knowledge is crucial, and understanding who can enter animal shelters and when falls under shelter regulations. This effort aims to offer factual and precise information. It's acknowledged that the clarity and interpretation of laws can differ for various reasons, with common sense often influencing legal understanding. Laws are crafted to be resilient, but the language employed may intentionally be broad to adapt to changing situations. As circumstances evolve, specific details might become outdated, prompting lawmakers to favor a more adaptable framework. It's important to note that animal shelters are not intended to function as petting zoos and that unnecessary traffic causes stress in the animals.