The Remarkable Turnaround of Pet Overpopulation in the United States in the Past 50 Years

Authors

• Andrew Rowan DPhil, WellBeing International, Inc.

Abstract

The United States has made extraordinary progress in addressing pet overpopulation over the past 50 years. Comparing shelter statistics from 1973 and 2025, this article explores the dramatic decline in shelter intake and euthanasia, the growing role of pet sterilization, and the importance of reducing the number of animals entering shelters to achieve lasting improvements in animal welfare.

Recommended Citation

Rowan, Andrew DPhil (2026) "The Remarkable Turnaround of Pet Overpopulation in the United States in the Past 50 Years," WellBeing News: Vol. 8: Iss. 9, Article 3.
Available at: https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/wbn/vol8/iss9/3