Homeless Animals in NOVA
There are thousands of animals in the Northern Virginia area currently living in animal shelters, sanctuaries and foster homes. The local rescue groups and county animal shelters in the area are constantly overwhelmed by the number of pets needing new homes. At any given time, there is an estimated number of at least 7,000-8,000 homeless animals in NOVA alone. These numbers are far too high, and they can only be lowered if we work together. Please continue reading about the homeless animals in NOVA to learn more about their needs and how you can help.
There are thousands of animals in the Northern Virginia area currently living in animal shelters, sanctuaries and foster homes. The local rescue groups and county animal shelters in the area are constantly overwhelmed by the number of pets needing new homes. At any given time, there is an estimated number of at least 7,000-8,000 homeless animals in NOVA alone. I believe that these numbers are far too high, and they can only be lowered if we work together. Please continue reading about the homeless animals in NOVA to learn more about their needs and how you can help.
Why are there so many homeless animals?
Pets can become homeless for a variety of reasons, but here are some of the most common:
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When an owner moves
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Divorce/Death in the family
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Landlords disallowing pets
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Cost of pet ownership becomes too high
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Pet allergies
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Incompatibility with family members/other pets
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Behavioral issues
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Lack of time to care for pet
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Failure to spay/neuter (results in too many puppies/kittens to take care of)
When events like these take place, pet owners will often surrender their pets to animal shelters or rescue groups or just leave their pets behind as strays. In most cases, the animals are not at fault and are punished by becoming homeless. All pets deserve a loving and caring home, which is why I have taken on this important issue. I want to educate the community about the homeless animals in the area and inform everyone that they can make a difference. There are so many ways to get involved with local rescue groups and shelters. Please continue exploring this website to learn more about all of the rewarding opportunities available.
Animal Homelessness - Important Facts
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Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats.
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Of the dogs entering shelters, approximately 35% are adopted, 31% are euthanized, and 26% of dogs who came in as strays are returned to their owner.
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Of the cats entering shelters, approximately 37% are adopted, 41% are euthanized, and less than 5% of cats who came in as strays are returned to their owners.
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Approximately 2.7 million shelter animals are adopted each year (1.4 million dogs and 1.3 million cats)
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Each year, approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized (1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats)
*Facts obtained from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)*
From the facts above, you can see that animal homelessness, aside from being a local issue, is a national problem. Although it is great that almost 3 million animals are adopted each year, it is sad that just as many are euthanized. One adoption may not seem like it would make a huge difference, but every adoption counts because every adoption saves a pet's life.
Animal Rescue Organizations in NOVA
Animal rescue organizations play a huge role in helping homeless animals. There are at least 50 organizations right here in NOVA dedicated to this cause. Some of the largest organizations actively involved include the Humane Society of Fairfax County, SPCA of Northern Virginia, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS), A Forever Home, and Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA). All of these organizations work hard to find the right forever homes for the animals in their care. Those who donate their time and efforts to these organizations also strongly care for the animals that they work with and ensure that they are provided with proper care. In order to operate successfully, it takes lots of dedicated volunteers, foster homes, and donations. These are all great ways that you can contribute!
See the Local Rescue Group Directory and Breed-specific Rescue Group Directory to find more animal rescue groups/organizations in or around the Northern Virginia Area
Now that you know more about homeless animals, please visit the following pages to find out how YOU can help: