Survey Of Animal Shelters Says Dogs Fare Better Than Cats

Ohio animal shelters reported that, since 1996, the number of dogs they received decreased by about 16%, while the number of cats taken in increased by nearly 20%. And while the number of dogs euthanized decreased by 39%, the number of cats that were put to sleep increased by nearly 14%.

The study revealed that since 1996:

• The number of shelters that vaccinate and spay or neuter their animals has risen from a little more than half (56%) to nearly three out of four (71%);
• The number of animal care and control agencies that have an established partnership with a veterinarian or a veterinary practice has doubled (40% in 1996 to 80% in 2004);
• More than two out of three agencies (68%) include the cost of spaying or neutering in the adoption fees that they charge. Less than half (46%) of the agencies did so in 1996. (In Ohio, adoption fees for a dog or puppy range from $5 to $150, and the price to take home a cat or kitten ranges from nothing to $80); and
• The cost of running an animal shelter has increased considerably since 1996. Estimated total expenses for all animal care and control agencies in Ohio during 2004 were $57.7 million, up from an estimated $34.2 million in 1996.