Shelter personnel work to the best extent of their capabilities but there is limited funding and negative public perceptions that are difficult to overcome. Most large volume shelters have increased exposures to disease, with many animals succumbing to disease acquired after they were impounded. Kill rates have been reduced over the last thirty years because fewer animals enter shelters. Out of ten dogs that enter a shelter, 2.5 dogs will be adopted, 1.5 will be returned to owners and 6 will be euthanized. Progressive shelters are striking low-cost or free transfer agreements with rescue organizations who are more equipped to rehome animals.
Governments are under-funding animal control programs.
The funding for these programs are mainly provided by dog licenses, dog impoundment and adoption fees. When forced to compete with funding for people programs, animal programs are historically under-funded. In the absence of proper funding, animal control departments will perform basic triage tasks prioritized by their mission of keeping the public safe from animals and protecting the public health. Animal welfare will suffer. In the absence of proactive animal welfare programs, departments will continue to maintain the animal carrying capacity of the community by killing surplus animals.