As 2024 begins, U.S. animal shelters are grappling with the most significant overcrowding in years, a consequence of lingering economic uncertainties as the country’s pandemic-driven pet-adoption surge gradually subsides, according to a comprehensive survey of animal rescue facilities.
Shelter Animals Count, a nonprofit tracking unhoused pet populations, reveals that this holiday season witnesses approximately a quarter of a million more pets in shelters compared to the same period in 2022. Stephanie Filer, the executive director of Shelter Animals Count, noted that this figure would be even higher if shelters weren’t already grappling with overcrowded conditions.
The surge in pet adoptions during the pandemic, where nearly 1 in 5 households adopted a pet, including President Biden, led to a spike in pet populations. However, economic downturns and rising inflation have curbed adoption rates, placing strain on rescue facilities with limited capacity to accommodate unwanted cats and dogs.
Despite a slowdown in adoptions, pet populations continue to rise, with owners skipping nearly 3 million spay or neuter surgeries in 2020 and 2021. The economic impact of the pandemic, coupled with stimulus funding, made pet ownership accessible for many families. However, the end of the pandemic and fiscal adjustments by the federal government have heightened the economic challenges associated with pet ownership.
Increased interest rates by the Federal Reserve to combat inflation have significantly raised the cost of animal care. The cost of veterinary services surged by 9 percent from November 2022 to November 2023, and pet food costs rose by 5.6 percent in the same period.
As a result, owning a pet has become more expensive, leading to an influx of animals in shelters. Experts suggest that an improvement in economic conditions may alleviate the situation. Positive signs, such as a 14 percent surge in consumer sentiment in December and a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in 2024, could positively impact the pet industry.
However, despite these potential improvements, animal shelters are urging households to help by volunteering to foster animals. Fostering significantly increases the likelihood of adoption, providing a crucial lifeline for animals in overcrowded shelters. Additionally, struggling pet owners are encouraged to reach out to shelters or rescue organizations promptly for assistance, as these organizations often offer financial or material aid to prevent pet surrenders.
“Don’t reach out when you have no other option,” advises Stephanie Filer. “Reach out as soon as possible to see what your options are.”
