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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on euthanasia rates for dogs in shelters has been multifaceted and varied over time. During the initial months of the pandemic, many animal shelters experienced a decrease in the number of animals entering shelters, which corresponded with a decrease in euthanasia rates. This was partly due to increased adoption and foster care rates, as many people sought companionship during lockdowns[1].
However, the pandemic also led to a significant reduction in spay and neuter surgeries, which are crucial for controlling pet populations. This reduction was caused by the suspension of non-essential veterinary services during lockdowns, leading to an increase in unaltered pets and, subsequently, a rise in euthanasia rates post-pandemic as shelters became overcrowded[3][4]. By 2023, euthanasia rates had increased significantly, with about 51,000 dogs euthanized from January to July 2023, marking a 37% increase from the same period in 2022[5].
The pandemic also exacerbated existing challenges in the animal welfare sector, such as a shortage of veterinary professionals and increased operational costs, which further strained resources and contributed to higher euthanasia rates[5]. Overall, while the initial impact of the pandemic saw a reduction in euthanasia due to lower intake and higher adoption rates, the long-term effects have led to increased euthanasia rates due to overcrowding and reduced spay and neuter services.
Citations:[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8468430/
[2] https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1115&context=paij