Pets returned to their owners decreased by 3% compared to 2024. In 2025, 638,000 dogs and cats were returned to their owners, a 3% Shelter Animals Count
: Dogs belong to the Caniformia (dog-like) suborder, making them more closely related to bears and walruses than to cats. Cats belong to the Feliformia (cat-like) suborder, sharing more recent ancestry with hyenas and mongooses. Dogs and cats
Effective reporting is critical for animal safety and public health. 2025 Annual Data Report - Shelter Animals Count Pets returned to their owners decreased by 3%