U.S. Pet Adoption Challenges

2023 Overview of Pet Adoption in U.S. Shelters

Since the pandemic, there has been an unprecedented surge in pet adoption across the United States. However, the enthusiasm for adopting pets has recently slowed down, returning to pre-pandemic levels. According to Shelter Animals Count, the number of animals entering U.S. shelters and rescue organizations has remained high for several years. Despite this, the adoption process continues to face significant challenges due to various economic and social pressures.

In 2023 alone, 6.5 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescue organizations, marking an increase of 900,000 compared to 2021. The average time these animals spend in shelters has also been rising. While the overall trend of animal adoptions is slowing, the number of cats adopted in 2023 rose significantly, while dog adoptions decreased.

Key Adoption Figures for Cats and Dogs in 2023:

• Cats: 3.3 million entered shelters in 2023, with 2.6 million finding new homes. This represents a 14% increase in adoptions compared to 2019.
• Dogs: 3.2 million entered shelters, but only 2.2 million were adopted, marking a slight decline compared to 2019.
  
  

In total, U.S. shelters and rescue organizations reached a record 14,429 in 2023, including 9,514 rescue organizations and 4,915 shelters, most of which are dealing with an overload of animals and resources.

Trends in Shelter Pet Adoption

The trend of adopting pets from shelters is gaining traction in the United States, particularly among younger generations. Recent data highlights several key insights into Americans’ attitudes and trends surrounding shelter pet adoption:

• 90% of pet adopters have had positive experiences with shelter adoption.
• 71% believe shelters do their best to ensure pets are healthy before adoption.
• 66% of individuals are open to adopting a shelter pet.
• Among Gen Z and Millennials who have previously adopted shelter pets, 90% and 94% respectively are interested in adopting again.
• For those who have never adopted from a shelter, 75% and 77% are likely to consider adoption.

This growing interest in shelter adoption, particularly among younger generations, reflects a positive shift in public attitudes, driven by successful adoption campaigns. However, it also highlights ongoing challenges and opportunities for further improvement in the adoption process.

Shelter Pet Adoption Trends in 2023

Cats vs. Dogs Adoption

Recent trends show a rise in the adoption of cats, with a 14% increase in 2023 compared to 2019, amounting to 319,000 more cats adopted. On the other hand, dog adoptions have decreased by 5%, with 108,000 fewer dogs adopted. Roughly 40% of respondents are likely to adopt a cat, with reasons such as:

• Belief that cats requireess maintenance (62%)
• Personal preference (56%)
• Cats can take care of themselves (38%)
• No need for outdoor space (37%)
• Cats require less space (32%)
  
  

Adoption Process and Preferences

Many people prefer a simple and affordable adoption process. Key adoption steps include:

• Free application through interviews to match pets with owners.
• Foster care providing a trial period before full adoption.
• Simplified applications without extensive background checks or home visits.
• Virtual adoption through online processes.
• Cross-regional adoption, where pets are transported from different areas for adoption.

Beyond shelters, many also adopt pets from family, friends, breeders, or pet stores. For households earning more than $100,000 annually, about 29% adopt dogs from breeders, while 19% adopt cats from shelters or rescues.

Economic and Logistical Challenges in Pet Adoption

While the willingness to adopt is strong, there are several economic and logistical challenges that may deter potential adopters. Key challenges include:

• Overall pet ownership costs, with veterinary care being the most expensive (84% of respondents believe this is the most costly aspect).
• For low-income households, especially those earning less than $75,000, the costs of veterinary care and pet food are significant barriers. Households with incomes under $50,000 also face challenges with the costs of insurance, training, and toys.
  
  

Housing Challenges Affecting Adoption

Housing is a critical barrier to pet adoption, especially for low-income families. According to a study by the Michelson Animal Foundation, about 72% of people find it difficult to find affordable pet-friendly housing, and 60% believe pet-friendly housing is too expensive. Pet deposits and monthly pet fees are common obstacles, with some rental properties outright prohibiting pets.

The Appeal of Large Pet Adoptions

Although large dogs have a lower adoption rate, Gen Z (18–24 years old) is more likely to adopt large dogs than other age groups, with 37% considering them, compared to those preferring cats or smaller dogs for easier management and cost reasons.

Post-Adoption Issues: Behavioral and Health Challenges

After adoption, many pet owners encounter problems that can lead to stress. The most common post-adoption challenges include:

• Behavioral issues (46%), such as house-soiling, excessive barking, or aggression. These behaviors may result from inadequate training or difficulty adapting to the new environment.
• Health problems (20%), particularly with pets from shelters, who may face issues like weight problems, parasite infections, or skin conditions.
• Unexpected responsibilities (16%), as pet ownership often involves more time and energy than anticipated.
• Unexpected costs (16%), especially for medical care and food.
• Poor interaction with family members or other pets (14%), leading to anxiety and stress for both the pet and the owner.
  
  

Many respondents have expressed that if they could receive professional help for behavioral, health, or even elderly pets, they would be more likely to adopt pets with challenges. Proper support and guidance are essential for overcoming these difficulties, ensuring pets lead happy lives and fostering deep bonds between them and their owners.

Support Measures for Successful Adoption

Support Measures: Key to Overcoming Adoption Challenges

A majority of pet owners indicated that they would be more likely to continue caring for their adopted pets if they received sufficient support. The most requested forms of support include:

• Affordable or free veterinary services (25%) to address unexpected medical costs.
• Free behavioral training (21%) to help pets adapt and avoid common behavior issues.
• Financial support for medical issues (20%) to ease the burden of long-term care.
  
  

These measures can significantly increase adoption rates and reduce the likelihood of pets being returned to shelters due to overwhelming costs or unmanageable challenges.

SPH Smart Pet House: A Solution for Overcoming Adoption Challenges

Given these challenges, SPH Smart Pet Houses offer a practical solution for supporting both pets and owners after adoption. SPH Smart Pet Houses integrate several key features to improve pets’ living environments, reducing health and behavioral issues:

• Climate Control: Automatic temperature and humidity regulation ensure pets have a comfortable environment year-round.
• Air Purification: Keeps the air clean and fresh, reducing health risks associated with poor air quality.
• Smart Integration: Through integration with the pet’s smart collar, the house automatically adjusts when the pet enters or exits. This helps to create an optimal environment for the pet’s comfort and well-being.
  
  

In addition to these physical features, the SPH Smart Pet House is easily monitored and controlled through a mobile app, enabling pet owners to track their pet’s health and behavior in real-time. This reduces the time and financial investment required from the owner while addressing health and behavioral challenges efficiently.

By offering these solutions, SPH Smart Pet Houses help ensure that adopted pets are comfortable, healthy, and well-cared-for, reducing the risk of adoption return due to health, behavioral, or environmental challenges. With SPH, pet owners are empowered to give their adopted pets the best possible life, contributing to the overall success of the pet adoption movement.

This combination of innovation and empathy ensures that adopting a pet remains a fulfilling and sustainable experience for families and individuals across the country.

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Cindy

Verified Buyer

5/20/24

Our two cats started using it right away and we all love it! No more smells and it is always clean and ready for the next visit. Super quiet clean cycle and much less litter tracked onto the floor. Definitely a 5 star product!

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Cindy

Verified Buyer

5/20/24

Our two cats started using it right away and we all love it! No more smells and it is always clean and ready for the next visit. Super quiet clean cycle and much less litter tracked onto the floor. Definitely a 5 star product!

Was this review helpful?

2

1

Cindy

Verified Buyer

5/20/24

Our two cats started using it right away and we all love it! No more smells and it is always clean and ready for the next visit. Super quiet clean cycle and much less litter tracked onto the floor. Definitely a 5 star product!

Was this review helpful?

2

1