The States That Adopt From Animal Shelters the Most
We looked at which states adopt most frequently and which fur babies are popular. Discover which states are leading the way in giving shelter animals a new leash on life!
Americans love their pets - maybe almost as much as they love their spouses and children! But before that love can grow, there's often a first step: adoption. Adopting a furry friend from a pet shelter can create an unbreakable bond, and it also helps rescue animals in need find their forever homes.
Using data from Shelter Animals Count, we'll look at which states adopt most frequently from pet shelters and which fur babies are popular in each state. Keep reading to discover which states are leading the way in giving shelter animals a new leash on life!
Which State Adopts From Pet Shelters the Most?
Which states really go the extra mile to rescue animals in need? Let's take a look at the top states for shelter adoptions.
Topping our list is New Mexico, with an impressive 12.34 animals adopted per 1,000 people. While their adoption rate of 45.36% is one of the lowest in the country, their dedication to finding homes for shelter animals is evident.
Colorado comes in second, with 11.31 animal adoptions per 1,000 people. Colorado also has a respectable adoption rate of 75.51%, demonstrating a state-wide commitment to helping our furry friends in need find homes.
Idaho is third place, with 9.98 animal adoptions per 1,000 people. While the Gem State's adoption rate of 53.84% is on the lower side, their high adoption numbers show that Idahoans are doing their part to give shelter animals a second chance.
States That Adopt Dogs the Most
New Mexico is wagging its tail in the lead, with 6.72 dog adoptions per 1,000 people. While the dog adoption rate is on the lower side at 40.86%, it's clear that New Mexicans still have a soft spot for their furry four-legged friends. It's no surprise that New Mexico is leading the pack, as the state is home to many outdoor activities that make it the perfect place to raise a dog.
Arizona comes in at a close second with 5.40 dog adoptions per 1,000 people. Their dog adoption rate of 74.88% is impressive, showing that Arizonans are committed to giving dogs a second chance at a happy home. In fact, Arizona is one of the most pet-friendly places in the country, so it's no wonder that dogs are so loved in this state.
In third place is Colorado, with 5.07 dog adoptions per 1,000 people. Their dog adoption rate of 66.42% is also notable, proving that Coloradans have big hearts for dogs in need. The Centennial State is known for its beautiful mountains, rivers, plains, and scenic outdoor activities, making it an ideal place for pet owners and pups looking for their next big adventure.
We can't forget the states with the highest dog adoption rates in the country - Delaware, Maine, and New Hampshire. These states literally have gone to the dogs, with adoption rates of 316.34%, 158.85%, and 149.07%, respectively. Talk about a pack of dog lovers! It's heartwarming to see such high adoption rates among these states that are providing loving homes for their furry friends.
States That Adopt Cats the Most
We can't forget our cat lovers out there! It's time to recognize the states that are purring with joy thanks to their high cat adoption rates.
In first place is Vermont, with a feline-friendly 6.42 cat adoptions per 1,000 people. Their impressive cat adoption rate of 126.29% is also the highest in the country. It looks like the Green Mountain State has a soft spot for all things furry and feline!
Colorado makes an appearance yet again as the runner-up in cat adoptions, with 6.24 cats per 1,000 people. Their cat adoption rate of 84.95% is also noteworthy, making them the only state in the top three for cat and dog adoptions per 1,000 people.
Montana rounds out the top three with 6.03 cat adoptions per 1,000 people. While their cat adoption rate of 77.32% is lower than the top two, it's still a significant number, and Montanans should be proud of their commitment to giving cats a safe place to stay.
One thing's for sure: New Englanders love their cats! New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts have the highest cat adoption rates in the country. Maine is notably the only one in the top three for cat and dog adoption rates. These states have adoption rates of 160.42%, 139.61%, and 127.92%, respectively, proving they are truly feline-friendly places.
Closing Thoughts
Adopting a pet from a pet shelter is a win-win situation. Not only do you gain a new furry companion, but you also give an animal in need a second chance at life. Based on the data from Shelter Animals Count, it's clear that some states are leading the way in this effort. New Mexico, Colorado, and Idaho have shown exceptional dedication to finding homes for shelter animals.
But no matter where you live, there are always animals in need of a loving home. By adopting from a shelter, you not only give a pet a new family but also support the shelter's mission to rescue animals in need. So why not consider adopting your next pet from a shelter and help make a difference in a furry friend's life today?
As you're out walking your newly adopted shelter pet, don't forget about the importance of proper lighting for your and your furry friend's safety. Cree Lighting offers a range of high-quality LED lighting solutions that can help light the way as you stroll through the park or walk on the street.
With lighting solutions from Cree Lighting, you can feel confident that you and your pet will be seen and safe, no matter where your walks take you. See how Cree Lighting can make a difference in your daily walks with your furbaby today. Together, we can give shelter pets a brighter future, one step at a time.
Methodology
To determine the parts of the country that adopt from shelters the most, we pulled 2022 full-year data on cat and dog adoptions from Shelter Animals Count in every U.S. state.
To allow for more accurate comparisons across state lines, we positioned adoptions against each state's population and were able to find the ones that adopt from shelters the most and which have the highest adoption rates. Additionally, we found the states that adopt dogs and cats the most, individually. Based on the adoptions of cats and dogs individually, we could tell which states adopt which kind of pet more often.