The No-Kill Movement in the Greater Philadelphia Area

by Expert Contributor Sarah Alexander, DVM, of The Spayed Club Clinic

It’s hard to believe that only 6 years ago more than 12,000 healthy pet dogs and cats were being euthanized in the Greater Philadelphia area each year. Today, that number has decreased, but there are still about 2,500 healthy pet cats and dogs euthanized in the Greater Philadelphia area each year. (www.acctphilly.org/about/statistics)

One critical issue is that there are not enough homes for these pets. That problem is compounded by the fact that this area has no open-admission shelters where every animal in need is admitted regardless of adoptability. Pet owners who are no longer able or willing to care for their pets simply have nowhere to take them.

One interesting fact is that an estimated 40% of euthanized dogs are healthy, pure-bred and originally obtained from breeders. Another fact is that pets in a shelter are, on average, only about two years old. Sadly, many people lose interest or no longer want to care for pets when they’re no longer a cute kitten or puppy or the novelty has worn off.

Many area rescue and animal welfare groups are working hard to achieve “No-Kill for Pets.” While progress has been made, there is still work to be done.

What Can You Do to Help Reduce Pet Euthanasia?

1. Adopt your pet from a shelter or rescue group, instead of purchasing from a pet store or breeder. Looking for a specific breed? There are many breed-specific rescues. Be patient. Most rescues are run by volunteers who do this around working a full-time job.

2. Before you adopt, think carefully. Dogs can live 12-15 years, and cats often 18 years. Adoption is a life-long commitment to your pet.

3. Spay or neuter your current pet. Even if you have “adopters” for your puppies or kittens, keep in mind that for every puppy or kitten born, one healthy puppy or kitten in a shelter is euthanized.

4. Can’t adopt? Donate funds or volunteer your time with a local animal rescue, shelter, or other animal welfare organization. There are many dogs needing to be walked and cats needing to be petted and cuddled. Consider donating your time to other tasks such as fundraising, answering the phone, responding to emails, or donating your professional services such as accounting or marketing.

Together, we CAN make Delaware County a No-Kill pet community in our lifetime!

Expert Contributor Sarah Alexander, DVM, of The Spayed Club Clinic

The Mission of The Spayed Club Clinic:

Eliminate unnecessary dog and cat euthanasia through affordable veterinary care and spay/neuter surgeries. The Spayed Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization.

Affordable, High Quality Veterinary Care: Examination for Dog or Cat – $35. See our website for a list of services and transparent pricing.

www.TheSpayedClubClinic.org

484-540-8436

800 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill (conveniently located 9 short miles from Marple)