Pet Shelter Adoptions Fall in Tennessee in 2020
Tennessee's adoption rate in 2020 inched only 2.41% higher when compared to 2019, ranking number 38 from a list of 40 states who saw increased rates during the same period.
That is the good news.
Now, the bad news:
Contrary to what you may have seen or heard on the media, the total shelter adoption rate declined in 2020 by almost 20% nationwide compared to 2019. This rate difference is according to data released by Shelter Animals Count's national database.
The Top 10 States With Higher Pet Adoption Rates in 2020
#1 - New Hampshire (+35.24%)
#2 - South Dakota (+33.75%)
#3 - Massachussetts (+21.01%)
#4 - Virginia (+18.21%)
#5 - Illinois (+16.56%)
#6 - Washington (+15.98%)
#7 - Iowa (+15.87%)
#8 - Oklahoma (+14.54%)
#9 - Wyoming (+13.05%)
#10 - Alaska (+12.31%)
The Big Decline
The data includes three main types of organizations: government agencies, rescues, and shelters. From the data released, it stands to reason then that most adoptions in 2020 may have occurred through foster or private purchase (breeders).
In other words, those less fortunate furry friends living in any of these locations could not find a new home in 2020.
Adopt and Never Shop
Remember, the Nashville community is blessed to count on the support from amazing animal rescue organizations. These include not only Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) but also rescue and foster groups like:
Let us all work together toward finding loving and forever homes for all animals in need.