Dog adoptions at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals headquarters in New York City rose 23 percent in 2007, with 677 dogs finding new homes. Cat adoptions increased, too, with 2,051 cats going to new families to represent a 21-percent increase over 2006.
“This is the largest percentage increase we’ve ever see in a one-year span,” said Gail Buchwald, ASPCA senior vice president. “We hope to see this continue in 2008.”
The ASPCA said a $5 million renovation of its pet adoption center is partially responsible for the rise in adoptions. The new center increased capacity by 40 percent, allowing animals to live in a cage-free environment that better showcases the pets’ adoptable qualities.
“Consumer awareness is also on the rise with respect to adoption,” Buchwald said. “Adoption is ‘in,’ leading to a strong demand for pets, and we were glad to be able to meet that demand because it means saving more homeless pets.”
Along with increases in cat and dog adoptions, the ASPCA reported increases in the number of animals spayed or neutered by its Mobile Clinic Outreach Program. A total of 14,215 cats and dogs were altered through the program in 2007, an 18 percent increase over 2006 and the greatest number recorded in a single year.