Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year, and of this, approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year. Increasing funding for animal shelters allows them to improve their facilities, offer medical care, and conduct community outreach programs. This would help increase adoption rates at shelters as well as allow them to expand in order to decrease overcrowding issues and eventually take in more animals to find their forever homes.

Limited funding means inadequate space and resources to care for these animals, which increases the number of strays and abandoned animals. More funding would allow the expansion of existing facilities, opening up space to welcome more animals to find their new homes. More funding would also provide better healthcare and nutrition to animals -- meaning they will receive the necessary vaccinations, medical care, and food. Additionally, enhanced funding would allow shelters to create stronger adoption programs and launch public awareness campaigns as well. This will increase adoption rates and successfully educate the public on what it means to be a responsible pet owner, and why it is important to spay and neuter animals. And, of course, non-profit shelters operate with little financial help; therefore, increased funding would help provide these essential services discussed as well as financial stability in order to expand and continue to help and care for so many animals in search of their forever homes.