NEWS RELEASE

There’s no better time to adopt or foster, as new estimates show nearly 245,000 additional pets are waiting in the shelter system this holiday season compared to last year. Shelter Animals Count (SAC), the most trusted and current source for animal sheltering data, notes that shelters were already overwhelmed and overcapacity at the end of 2022. The nearly quarter million additional animals since then are creating a crisis.

“Local data mimics the data collected from shelters nationwide,” said Kari Kuh, Executive Director of the Danville-Boyle County Humane Society. “In 4Q 2022 DBCHS cared for 53 animals compared to 98 in 4Q 2023, an 84% increase.

“The holidays are the perfect time to foster a shelter pet. It gives the gift of peace to the animal, allows shelter staff time to relax with family and friends, and, best of all, makes your holiday brighter!“

Because of the overcrowding, SAC urges potential pet parents to be holiday adopters rather than holiday shoppers.

“Opting to adopt from shelters or rescue groups not only saves lives and sends a message of support to struggling shelters, but it’s also the most sustainable and socially conscious choice. It helps alleviate the shelter crisis rather than compounding it,” said Stephanie Filer, Executive Director for Shelter Animals Count.

“For those not ready to adopt, fostering is also a wonderful way to help, as it offers animals a break from the shelter environment and lightens the load for overburdened shelter staff, even temporarily.”

Join the DBCHS Home for the Holidays campaign and register to host a needy animal between Christmas and the New Year: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/foster/DBCH/Dog

Nationally, shelters are in their third year of having too many animals and not enough adoptions — especially for dogs. The current trend shows dog adoptions down 1.2% from 2022 after shelters saw a 2.5% increase in dogs arriving January through September 2023. Nationally, 5% more animals are entering shelters than leaving. Download SAC’s full Q3 report PDF here.

Animal organizations continue to struggle with over-capacity status and urgently request community support, asking that people adopt or foster from local shelters or rescue organizations, spay or neuter their pets, and volunteer or donate.

SAC is a collaborative, industry-led nonprofit organization formed by a diverse group of animal welfare agencies to create and share The National Database of sheltered animal statistics, providing facts and enabling insights that will improve animal welfare throughout the country.

The Danville-Boyle County Humane Society is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) established in 1972 that promotes the humane treatment of animals through compassionate care, engagement, and support.