Here are 3 things you might not know about shelter dogs:

1. Only 57% are adopted — meaning almost half don’t find homes fast enough.

2. Nearly half are under 2 years old — most aren’t “old dogs,” they’re just young and overlooked.

3. Dogs can show signs of depression in shelters — stress and long stays take a real toll on them.

These numbers show why it’s so important to advocate for shelter animals. Behind every statistic is a dog with a story, waiting for someone to see them. By raising awareness, supporting rescues, and choosing adoption, we can change these outcomes. Every action matters, and together we can make sure more dogs get the second chance they deserve.