That means the organization frequently loses money because if the procedure costs more, it pays the difference. But volunteers say that's the only way to fix the overpopulation problem. As of July, animal control has had to destroy 5,894 animals this year. Nationally, an estimated 4 million to 6 million cats and dogs are euthanized in animal shelters annually, reports the Humane Society of the United States. You can't expect someone else to take care of it.
Volunteers try matching pets with possible owners with care.
Adopters sign an agreement saying they'll bring the pet back if things don't work out. The animals at the humane society are usually strays or pets whose owners could no longer care for them. They are housed in the back of the Companion Veterinary Care clinic next door, where the agency rents seven dog runs and nine cat condos. But the agency frequently has more than 16 animals, volunteers say, as long as the budget allows. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved.