Companion animal Overpopulation: It's Raining Cats and Dogs! 

What is companion animal overpopulation?
Companion animal overpopulation means there are too many companion animals, or pets, and not enough resources or homes in the community and in the country to care for them all. 

How many cats and dogs are there?
It's estimated that if all the dogs and cats in the United States had a guardian, that each person would have 7 animals.  If eveyrone in your house had 7 animals, how many animals would live there?

Experts say that 8 to 10 million homeless dogs and cats enter shelters every year in the United States. Because of companion animal overpopulation, only about half - that is 4 to 5 million - will find homes.

Why are there so many companion animals?
Cats and dogs who have not been spayed or neutered can have many litters of kittens or puppies each year during their lifetime. That adds up to a lot of new animals each year that need to find a new home or else end up in shelters.  For example, it is estimated that one female cat and her litter can potentially add up to 420,000 cats after 7 years.

What can you do to help?

• Have your animals spayed or neutered.  Spay and neuter are the names of simple surgeries that prevent dogs and cats from having babies. Spay is the surgery for girls and neuter is the surgery for boys. Dogs and cats are put under anesthesia so they don't feel any pain, just like people are during surgery. Having your dog or cat spayed or neutered provides many benefits. It reduces the risk of some types of infection and cancer.  It helps reduce companion animal overpopulation. If there are less animals being born, there will be more homes available for them.  Spaying and neutering also help with Behavior issues.  Animals who have been spayed or neutered are less likely to bite people.
  
• If you are going to bring a new companion animal into your home, adopt from your local shelter.
  
• Learn about pets before you adopt to make sure you are ready for the responsibility.  To help you get started, check out the page, Who is the Best Pet for You? 
• Teach others about companion animal overpopulation and how they can help.