U.S. Animal Shelters See Sharpest Drop in Deaths Since 2020 with Over 34,000 More Pets Saved from Euthanasia
By Joyann Jeffrey
Published on April 16, 2026.
U.S. animal shelter deaths have decreased significantly between 2024 and 2025, with 34,000 fewer cats and dogs euthanized for space in 2025 compared to the previous year. This is the sharpest year-to-year drop in unnecessary shelter pet deaths since 2020. Best Friends Animal Society reported that in 2025, 4 million dogs and cats found homes, making the country closer to being "no-no-kill" as a 90% save rate for animals entering shelters. The organization attributes this change to increased kitten fostering programs, community cat programs, and adoption interest in younger generations.
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