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