According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®), there are about 6.5 million companion animals arriving at U.S. animal shelters every year. The numbers are pretty close when it comes to the breakdown of cats and dogs with about 3.2 million cats and 3.3 million dogs. Sadly, there are as many as 1.5 million pet companions euthanized annually. The good news is, since 2011, these numbers have dropped thanks to an increase in adopted pets as well as pets successfully returned to their families. These shocking numbers pose a good argument for steps to be taken to encourage adoption. New York could be the first state to step in with a new law offering tax credits for people who rescue pets. (1, 2)
Rescue Tax In New York State
In December 2019, the state of New York announced it might reward people who rescue pets from a shelter with a tax credit. The credit could be as much as $125 per pet, which would apply to dogs and cats. (2)
Rescue Tax Covers Adoption Fees
The credit will help cover the fees of adoption which might help more people consider adopting instead of buying from pet shops or breeders. Of course, the cost of buying a pet outright is always far more expensive than adopting. However, the incentive will certainly help families lean towards adoption instead. (2)
Clear The Shelter
The plan could be quite successful as an incentive for pet adoption. For example, in November 2019, Minneapolis Animal Care and Control waived adoption fees for dogs, cats, and even birds. (3)
The shelter was very successful with its “Clear the Shelter” promotion where fees ranging from $10 up to $1000 for an exotic bird were waived. The event was to run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. but was completely “sold out” by 3:55 p.m. on the day of the event. They met their goal to find a forever home for the holidays for every lovable pet at the shelter. (3, 4)
Pet Rescue Adoption Statistics
More good news is that there are about 1.6 million dogs and 1.6 million cats adopted each year. Additionally, a very large number of animals who arrive at shelters as strays are reunited with their families at a rate of about 620,000 dogs and 90,000 cats. (1)
Well Behaved, Loving Animals
There is no need to worry your future companion might have behavioral issues either. Shelters will let you know in advance of any issues, as they want these pets to be placed in loving homes for the rest of their lives. Most pets arrive at shelters based on a decision or circumstance affecting their former human companion as opposed to something they did. (5)
Benefits Of Pet Adoption
Other than the obvious reason that you’ll be saving a life, there are many reasons to consider adoption including: (5)
- It is the most affordable option
- It fights the puppy mill industry
- Most shelter animals are already house trained
- Many shelter animals are already spayed or neutered
- Many shelters work with veterinary hospitals to provide a free first visit
- You’ll free up space for more animals at the shelter
Having adopted three cats from rescues and shelters, I can tell you from personal experience the best thing of all, is having a new best friend who will repay you with unconditional love for the rest of their life.
