How you can save the life of a dog or cat? I’m sure you’ve read it all before, but I just saw some survey results and a letter from the ASPCA regarding pet adoption that may influence your decision when you think about adopting your next pet. Many people know that adopting a pet from a shelter is a great idea, but it’s still not happening as much as it should.

Results of the Survey

The question asked was, “where did you acquire your dog?”

• 894 dog owners answered

• 20% answered with “animal shelter” – 358 dogs

• 21.4% answered with “rescue group” – 383 dogs

• 35.4% answered with “breeder” – 634 dogs

• 1.8% answered with “pet store” – 33 dogs

The 634 dogs adopted from breeders are a death sentence for 634 dogs that lived in shelters. Most Americans underestimate the numbers of pets that are euthanized every year. You can find the complete results on Dogtalkproject.com and take new surveys.

Petsmart Charities conducted a study that found 76% of Americans acquire their pets in places other than shelters. One of the reasons that people avoid adopting a pet from a shelter is because they are unaware of the adoption process or of the unwanted pet problem. Or because they are looking for purebreds.

Shelter Statistics are Overwhelming

Approximately 8-12 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 5-9 million are euthanized – this works out to about 60% of dogs and 70% of cats. (Source: Petfinder.com)

In the city of Houston alone, it has been estimated that the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care has to put to sleep 1,500-2,000 pets each month.

Also, four million cats and dogs — about one every eight seconds — are put down in U.S shelters each year.

Beware of Online Adoption

From the ASPCA:

As more and more Americans turn to the Web to find the pet of their dreams, scams have skyrocketed as criminals seek to take advantage of unsuspecting pet parents. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, hundreds of complaints are filed each year by victims who were conned when attempting to buy a dog online.

One potential pet parent, Diane, was hoping to add a Yorkshire Terrier puppy to her family when she spotted a classified ad in her local paper. “It was over my morning coffee that I saw the perfect ad for a Yorkie named Nancy,” says Diane, who lives near Cleveland, OH. She sent an email to the address listed and immediately received a response — Diane could have the puppy if she promised her a loving home and sent $500 to cover the shipping fees.

“I corresponded for an entire week with this man who claimed to be a missionary,” Diane explains. Diane sent the requested payment via Western Union, but once she sent the code for the money transfer, she never heard from the “pastor” again.

Avoiding the Scams

The ASPCA recommends never buying a dog you haven’t met in person and always checking references. Also, keep in mind that adopting a pet from a shelter is still the best option, even if you have your heart set on a purebred dog. There are thousands of dogs waiting for good homes at local animal shelters, including purebreds!

For $50 to $350, you’ll have a sweet, lovable pup or kitty who will be forever grateful. Your pet will be spayed/neutered, current on all vaccinations, and sometimes already microchipped. A good place to start looking is on Petfinder.com. Also, simply look for shelters in your area or rescue organizations that help specific breeds.

Save a life – adopt from a shelter.

Sources: ASPCA, Dogtalkproject.com, Petfinder.com, MendocinoAnimalCare