Between Cats And Dogs, One Gets Adopted More In NJ

Nearly the same number of dogs and cats have entered shelters and rescues over the last two years. But according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) one is clearly more popular for those looking to adopt.

In 2024, 200,000 more cats were given new homes nationwide in 2024.

In New Jersey, the number of both intakes and transfers out of shelters and rescues for cats outnumbered dogs in 2024, and it wasn't even close.

According to Shelter Animals Count data, facilities in New Jersey took in 54,322 cats (up 5.3 percent from 2023) to just 35,434 dogs (up .98 percent from 2023). This led to 8,509 cats being transferred out in addition to just 6,722 dogs leaving the facility.

This trend is echoed by the Associated Humane Societies (AHS), an organization that saves stray and homeless animals throughout the state and gives them care until a home can be found. In 2024, they faced a record-breaking influx of 7,429 animals with more than 60 percent of them being strays. Of the animals adopted, 1,634 were cats and kittens to just 1,228 dogs and puppies.

Even with the gap between intake numbers being so large, organizations within the animal care and research field are pointing to other factors as to why cats are being chosen over dogs in so many cases.

According to the ASPCA, the length of time that specifically large breeds of dogs are staying in shelters has increased over the last five years. Forbes data suggests this can be tied to outside economic influences like inflation and tariffs driving up the cost of having a larger animal.

The presence of pets in American households continues to grow among younger generations, with millennials making up 33 percent of all owners nationwide. Of all Gen Z and Millennial households with at least one animal, 75 percent own two or more. In a Forbes Advisor survey of more than 10,000 dog owners, the most common answer to a question regarding a favorite dog breed was "no breed in particular is my favorite." One of the most common reasons why owners reported that they surrendered a dog to a shelter was due to the monetary cost that comes with taking care of it.

According to the ASPCA, shelters nationwide are also in a capacity crisis right now. More animals staying longer, staffing and veterinarian shortages and a rise in the number of animals with heightened medical and behavioral needs is straining the system.

"With so many shelters struggling to find homes for the animals in their care, animal welfare organizations and their communities need to continue working together to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters while also removing the barriers that prevent many people from adopting. This includes finding ways to increase access to veterinary care and advocating for pet-friendly housing policies," adds Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA.

In 2024, an estimated 2.2 million cats were adopted, 362,000 were returned to their owner or the field, 273,000 were euthanized and 369,000 were moved to other organizations nationwide. As for dogs, two million were adopted, 554,000 were reunited with their owner, 334,000 were euthanized and 524,000 were taken to other organizations.

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The ASPCA is continuing to work directly with shelters, and is pioneering behavioral rehabilitation programs to help facilities treat challenged animals. The direct work with shelters also extends to strengthening medicine programs and training to help professionals utilize tools and methods that improve animal welfare. The organization is also the largest transporter of shelter cats and dogs in the nation, moving more than 20,000 animals across 40 states annually.

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