ARKANSAS, USA — Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS) is in urgent need of pet adoptions amid the increasing number of dogs killed nationwide.
According to BFAS, the number of dogs killed in U.S. shelters due to lack of adoption, went up 30% last year.
In observance of National Rescue Dog Day, BFAS encourages people to adopt a pet to help the "unnecessary killing of healthy, adoptable dogs in shelters."
To get an idea of how many dogs lose their life over the lack of a home, here are the statistics of the five states with the highest number of dogs killed.
Texas - 48,600 dogs
California - 22,000 dogs
North Carolina - 13,500 dogs
Georgia - 12,900 dogs
Alabama - 10,400 dogs
CEO of BFAS, Julie Castle, said an estimated seven million people in America plan to get a pet this year. "If just 6 percent more people chose to adopt versus purchase their pets, we would end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters,” Castle said.
Benefits of adopting a rescue dog
According to BFAS, there are many benefits of adopting a rescue dog instead of buying from breeders.
1. As aforementioned, adopting a rescue dog helps reduce the killing of homeless pets, overpopulation and the number of "inhumane commercial breeding facilities."
2. Additionally, adopting a rescue dog is less expensive since they are usually already vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered.
3. BFAS said mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier, so you may have fewer visits to the vet. This is due to mixed breeds being "less prone to inherited disorder."
How can I help?
If you're not interested in adopting a dog but would like to help, BFAS has other options.
- Give: BFAS said one way you can help is by donating money or dog essentials for the shelter. You can always call your local shelter to ask what they are in need of the most.
- Volunteer: Pet shelters always need volunteers to help keep up with the constant overcrowding. You could help walk, feed, or bathe one of dozens of dogs.
- Advocating: Helping spread the word is another way you can help create awareness of the need to find homes for dogs.
To learn more about how to get involved, click here.
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