At AAF, we strongly believe that animal sterilization is the key to population control. According to the 2025 Mid-Year Analysis, comparing January–June 2025 to January–June 2024, 2.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues during the first half of 2025. Intake levels remain high, owner surrenders have risen, and adoptions show a slight decline (Shelter Animals Count, The National Database, 2025). This is a growing problem for our furry friends.

Strays continue to make up the largest share of community intakes. States such as Texas, California, New Mexico, North Carolina, Florida, and Alabama have the highest populations, although the exact numbers are unknown. Government shelters continue to account for most community intakes. Surprisingly, not all animals are spayed or neutered in public or private animal care facilities. This contributes to the ongoing, never-ending cycle of animal euthanasia due to lack of space in the U.S.

Several factors contribute to this issue: economic challenges, limited access to veterinary care, poor pet ownership practices, misinformation, and cultural beliefs. AAF aims to change the narrative by implementing solutions that will significantly reduce the stray population and lower euthanasia rates caused by overcrowding in shelters across the U.S.

Save them all, one surgery at a time!