Source: Shelter Animals Count
Shelter Animals Count’s 2026 Mid-Year Data Summary shows growing pressure on animal shelters and rescues across the United States. During the first half of 2026, 3.68 million cats and dogs entered care, up 2% from 2025, with cats accounting for most of the increase.
Outcomes did not keep pace with intakes, leaving 213,000 more animals entering care than leaving. Adoptions totaled 2.07 million, including 1 million cats and 1.06 million dogs. Cat adoptions increased from both 2016 and 2025, while dog adoptions remained 6.3% below 2016 levels.
Euthanasia declined to 266,000 animals, down 37.2% from 2016. Kitten season remains a major challenge, with 674,000 kittens entering care and kittens experiencing the poorest outcomes of any age group. Transfers also remain well below historical levels. Shelter Animals Count recommends strengthening adoption, foster, transfer, and return-to-owner programs to reduce shelter populations and improve outcomes.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/2026-mid-year-report/