Dogs and cats are euthanized at different rates, with cats being euthanized in far greater numbers. This survey has shown the overwhelming number of owned pets, especially cats, are spayed or neutered. Lost, owned pets make up a tiny percentage of animals handled. Purebred cats are owned, and bred, by very few people. Purebred dogs have available homes and are under represented in the shelters when compared to their numbers in the owned pet population.
Stray dogs are few due to stringent, enforced leash laws.
There will always be some animals euthanized in shelters. Animals too sick and injured to be treated will always be present, as will owner surrendered animals for humane euthanasia. The major animal problem that exists in San Diego County is the unowned, roaming cat population. With over a third of the known cat population being unowned, roaming, free breeding cats, and with the vast majority of animals being euthanized at the shelters being unowned cats, the direct cause and effect link is apparent. These litters also contribute to the cat populations in the shelters.