According to the 1996 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, approximately 66.2 million cats and 58 million dogs live in U.S. households. About four to six thousand. The HSUS estimates that shelters in the United States accept 8 to 12 million animals each year. The AHA also estimates that 25 to 35 percent of all animals who enter U.S. shelters are adopted by new owners.
Shelter demand varies tremendously between urban, suburban, and rural areas.
But in general, the number of animals that each shelter takes in each year equals about 5 to 7 percent of the human population of the community that shelter serves. The HSUS estimates that, depending on the geographic region, about 30 to 60 percent of all animals brought in to shelters in the United States are euthanatized. Cats can begin breeding when they reach puberty, which occurs when they are between four and twelve months old. 58 to 65 days. Four to six.