One Page on Pet Overpopulation
This is a one-page summary of a presentation first given at Petzapalooza at the Dallas Library in June, 2007. For a copy of the presentation itself, just email a request to info@sparkypals.org and we can send you a PDF version.
Pets With Homes
- 261,843 Dogs live in Dallas households
- 300,829 Cats live in Dallas households
Both estimates are based on American Veterinary Medical Association Formulas
Pets Without Homes
- In 2004, the Dallas Animal Shelter had an 82% euthanasia rate
- 25, 342 animals
- The others are reclaimed, rescued or adopted
Source: Dallas Morning News,
August 16, 2006
Indirect Costs
- Insurance rates can be affected by dog bites
- Your rates can be affected by how other people’s dogs act (breed-specific rates)
- Each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites; half of these are children. Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about a dozen die. (US CDC)
Spay/Neuter Info
- The Metroplex Animal Coalition (972-669-5000) is an excellent source of information on many local spay/neuter programs, and has their own program for low-income homes
- SPCA of Texas Spay/Neuter Clinic charges $100 or less
- The City of Dallas provides free spay and neuter to qualified residents (call 311 for information)
Intangible Costs
- Realizing many people put very little value on life
- Why are there so many strays?
- Why are so many just euthanized?
- Fear of animals from early experiences
- Losing a pet or loved one who is attacked by strays
Service Targets
- Dallas Animal Services has a 2007 Service Target to increase the number of animals impounded from 33,592 to 33,800, thereby, increasing staff productivity and providing stray-free neighborhoods.
- Animal Collection has a 2007 service target of 18,300 collection cases estimated for the year at a cost of $26.43 per case
Solving the Problem
- Adopt a pet to save a life
- Budget properly for your pet to keep him for life
- Spay or neuter your pet
- Microchip and tag your pets to protect against loss
- Keep all pets up-to-date on vaccinations
- Consider donating to your local rescue, shelter or SPCA