Population Dynamics and the Risk of Euthanasia for Dogs in an Animal Shelter

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Abstract
The records of dogs in an animal shelter in Chester County, PA were analyzed for a 3 1/2 year period to describe the canine population dynamics and to identify the risk factors for dogs' failure to be reclaimed and to be euthanized. Dogs ≥1 year of age accounted for the majority (72.5%) of incoming dogs. Forty-one percent of dogs received by the shelter were purebred. The six most common breeds were Labrador Retriever (14.6%), German Shepherd (9.8%), Golden Retriever (7.5%), Beagle (7.1%), Cocker Spaniel (5.5%), and Siberian Husky (5.3%), accounting for 50% of all incoming purebred dogs. Nearly one fifth (17.2%) of the live surrendered dogs were brought in by their owners specifically to be euthanized. A similar proportion (18.8%) of adopted dogs were returned to the shelter. Fifty-two percent of surrendered dogs and 77% of stray dogs were discharged alive from the shelter (53.8% of the stray dogs were returned to their owners). The reclaim rate was lowest (10.8%) for dogs < 4 months of age, and h...