Survey Of Animal Shelters Says Dogs Fare Better Than Cats

An Ohio State University survey of Ohio animal shelters found that the number of dogs received has decreased by 16% since 1996, while the number of cats received has increased by 20%. The number of dogs euthanized has decreased by 39%, while the number of cats euthanized increased by 14%.

This study found that, since 1996:

• The number of dog intakes has decreased by 16% and the number of dogs euthanized decreased by 39%.
• The number of cat intakes increased by 20% and the number of cats euthanized increased by 14%.
• The number of shelters that vaccinate and spay/neuter animals has increased from 56% to 71%.
• The number of animal care control agencies that have established relationships with a veterinarian increased from 40% to 80%.
• 68% of agencies include the cost of spay or neuter in adoption fees they charge, compared to 46% in 1996.
• The operation costs of all Ohioan animal shelters/agencies have increased from $34.2 million in 1996 to $57.7 million in 2004.