Statistics show that shelter euthanasia is the leading cause of death for dogs and cats in the United States.

The staff and volunteers at the North Platte Animal Shelter work hard to find homes for animals brought to the shelter and avoid euthanasia whenever possible.

Animal shelters nationwide experience euthanasia rates of around 50%. In 2014, the North Platte Animal Shelter took in 754 dogs and 568 cats.  Amazingly, the euthanasia rate for dogs was 2%, and 8% for cats.  Staff at the shelter say the majority of the pets they euthanize are either sick or dangerous.

The staff credits local volunteers and organizations for allowing them to keep these rates extremely low.

Volunteers assist with animal promotion, foster care and placement.  Organizations such as Fur the Love of Paws, Animal Rescue of Kindness and Home of Hope also provide an enormous amount of volunteer hours, and PAWS-itive Partners will often pay for veterinary care animals that arrive at the shelter receive.

Shelter staff encourages pet owners to spay or neuter their pets, and use tags, microchips and up-to-date veterinary care, in order to keep the number of animals in the shelter at a minimum.

If you are interested in adoption, visit the shelter located at 1402 North Sycamore Street, or like them on Facebook.