Category: Statistics

Like most countries, Australia has a serious problem with animal homelessness. Many parts of the country have far more pets than people can reasonably take care of. Furthermore, with the cost of living rising, many owners have had to give up their pets to make ends meet. According to many statistics, the Australian animal homeless crisis is getting worse—not better.

Several statistics about Australia’s pet homeless crisis may surprise you. Let’s take a look at some of the more surprising ones.

• National Statistics
• Outcome Statistics
• Euthanasia Statistics

The 10 Australia Animal Home Statistics

1. The RSPCA received 94,828 animals in the 2021–2022 fiscal year.
2. Most of these animals are cats, though the “other” category is the highest.
3. Municipal councils receive the largest intake of stray and surrendered animals (54%), with the RSPCA as the second largest organization (35%).
4. Out of those received by the municipal courts, almost half are reclaimed. However, that statistic is much lower with the RSPCA.
5. Australia investigated 53,680 animal cruelty cases in the 2021–2022 fiscal year. However, there were only 318 prosecutions.
6. Far more dogs are successfully rehomed than cats.
7. About 12.9% of dogs are euthanized.
8. On the other hand, about 18.3% of cats are euthanized.
9. The number of pets euthanized is steadily dropping, by most statistics. (PubMed)
10. Dogs were most likely to be euthanized for behavioral problems, while cats were more likely to be euthanized for medical reasons.

National Statistics

1. The RSPCA received 94,828 animals in the 2021–2022 fiscal year.

(RSPCA National Statistics)

These animals include a large number of cats and dogs, as you would guess. However, wild animals are often presented to the RSPCA due to being injured or orphaned. Some of their facilities can treat wildlife animals and rehabilitate them. Many of these animals are released live.

Several animals that are received are reclaimed or rehomed. Far more dogs are reclaimed than animals belonging to other categories. Cats are the least likely to be reclaimed after becoming lost.

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2. Most of these animals are cats, though the “other” category is the highest.

(RSPCA National Statistics)

About twice as many cats are received than dogs. However, the “other” category is the highest, at least for the RSPCA. Other animals include small animals, horses, livestock, and wildlife. Most of these usually require treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, while the RSPCA is often seen as a pet rescue organization, the truth is that they rescue a wide variety of animals.

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3. Municipal councils receive the largest intake of stray and surrendered animals (54%), with the RSPCA as the second largest organization (35%).

(PubMed)

While the RSPCA is the most prolific, municipal councils receive far more stray and surrendered animals. Many of these animals are reclaimed—more so than those received by the RSPCA. However, this is likely due to the types of animals received. Local councils are far more likely to receive stray animals, while the RSPCA may be more likely to receive surrendered animals.

Still, municipal councils deal with most homeless animals in Australia.

Outcome Statistics

4. Out of those received by the municipal courts, almost half are reclaimed. However, that statistic is much lower with the RSPCA.

(PubMed)

As we’ve stated, the animals received by the municipal courts are much more likely to be reclaimed than in other facilities. Most of the animals they receive are lost, and their owners are likely looking for them. However, the RSPCA handles a lot of wildlife and surrendered animals.

Both organizations are essential for homeless animals in Australia, and they handle the majority of these animals together.

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5. Australia investigated 53,680 animal cruelty cases in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. However, there were only 318 prosecutions.

(RSPCA National Statistics)

There are many cases of animal cruelty investigated each year in Australia. However, the vast majority of these do not involve charges. Likely, this is because many owners can change their ways before they are prosecuted. Most cases of animal cruelty involve neglect, which can sometimes be corrected through education.

However, there are a few hundred prosecutions each year. The animals involved in these cases are often taken from their owners.

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6. Far more dogs are successfully rehomed than cats.

(RSPCA Report on Outcomes)

Reuniting the animal with its owner or rehoming the animal tends to be the biggest goal in handling animal homelessness. However, far more dogs are successfully rehomed than cats. Furthermore, dogs are far more likely to be reclaimed after coming in as strays.

This leaves many cats with uncertain futures. Usually, cats stay in shelters much longer and may move through multiple agencies because they are rehomed. Plus, cats are more likely to live on the street as strays longer. Therefore, the period of a cat’s life where the animal is homeless tends to be much longer than for dogs.

At any one point, there are over twice as many homeless cats as dogs.

Euthanasia Statistics

7. About 12.9% of dogs are euthanized.

(RSPCA Report on Outcomes)

Sadly, about 12.9% of all dogs received are euthanized each year. There are quite a few reasons why this may occur. Luckily, many more dogs are reclaimed or rehomed than those euthanized. Most dogs entering the system get rehomed or find a new home, but there is a large percentage of them that do not.

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8. On the other hand, about 18.3% of cats are euthanized.

(RSPCA Report on Outcomes)

Only slightly more cats get euthanized than dogs. This is quite surprising, considering how many more cats end up homeless than dogs. Furthermore, a lower percentage of cats find homes, whether that is via rehoming or getting reclaimed. Fewer cats get reclaimed than dogs when they end up as strays, though the reason for this isn’t exactly known.

The vast majority (60%) of cats get rehomed. Only 6% get returned to their previous owner, either after a seizure or due to the cat becoming lost. There are far more cats needing a home than dogs. More cats end up in the system, and very few get returned to their owners.

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9. The number of pets euthanized is steadily dropping, by most statistics.

(PubMed)

Luckily, practically every statistic shows far fewer euthanized animals as the years go on. It doesn’t matter whether you look at nationwide statistics, those released by the RSPCA, or species-specific statistics. Euthanizing rates are decreasing in all categories.

However, rates in dogs have remained pretty steady over the last few years. This is likely because many dogs are euthanized for unpreventable reasons, like behavioral problems. A small percentage of dogs will have behavioral issues, and there isn’t much you can do to fix that.

On the other hand, feline euthanizations have decreased substantially. In 2002, over half of all cats taken in by the RSPCA were euthanized. Today, that number is closer to 18%. For the most part, this is due to increased adoptions.

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10. Dogs were most likely to be euthanized for behavioral problems, while cats were more likely to be euthanized for medical reasons.

(RSPCA Report on Outcomes)

Most dogs are euthanized for behavioral reasons. Often, this involves aggression or severe anxiety. The RSPCA may try and treat problems with behavioral therapy. However, dogs that don’t show improvement are euthanized. These dogs are considered unsafe to rehome, as they are likely to cause injury to their new owners.

On the other hand, cats are more likely to be euthanized for health reasons. Feline leukemia is a common health problem that cats are euthanized for. This chronic, uncurable disease kills cats within 2 to 3 years. Many cats do not show symptoms until later, but they remain contagious. Therefore, many seemingly healthy cats are brought in, test positive for feline leukemia, and then must be euthanized.

Cats are also euthanized for behavioral problems. Usually, this relates to anxiety. However, cats are less likely to be euthanized for behavioral issues than dogs, as they are less likely to be dangerously aggressive. After all, cats are relatively small.

Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Animal Homelessness

Why Are More Australians Giving Up Their Pets?

There has recently been an increase in pet surrenders in Australia. Part of this is due to the reduction in Covid restrictions. Now that people are returning to work, they may no longer have the time to take care of the pets they adopted in 2020.

Furthermore, all pets have a “teen” stage, where they are more likely to exhibit pet problems. This fact isn’t well-known, so many people believe that their well-behaved kitten has suddenly become not so well-behaved. Pets adopted during Covid are reaching this threshold, leading to more surrenders.

However, financial pressures play another role. The economy is currently in poor shape, leaving many people in desperate situations.

Is Australia a Pet-Friendly Country?

There are many pet-friendly spaces in Australia. However, Australia has more regulations and laws revolving around personal life, and pet regulations are particularly strict. For instance, the vaccination schedule is much more stringent in Australia, and many areas have bans on specific breeds. The country also has stricter biosecurity regulations, controlling which pets can be brought into the country. The country has even planned to kill 2 million cats through “toxic grooming devices,” shooting, poisoning, and similar means.

Why Are Pets Not Allowed in Australia?

Many types of pets are banned in Australia. For instance, several dog breeds are not allowed, often due to safety concerns. However, no study has yet to find that “aggressive” breeds are more aggressive, and Australia has similar dog bite statistics as other countries.

Furthermore, all pets from “approved” breeds must meet specific licensing and vaccination regulations. It is much harder to own pets in Australia than in other countries.

Why Aren’t Hamsters Allowed in Australia?

Hamsters, gerbils, and similar animals are illegal in Australia. That is due to their potential risk to the environment. You cannot import these hamsters; owning them is restricted chiefly to scientific research. Research shows these animals can set up colonies around urban areas and potentially become pests.

Conclusion

Australia has a homeless pet problem, just like every other country. Despite their strict regulations on pet breeding and sterilization surgeries, there are tons of pets looking for homes. In fact, these policies have yet to affect the number of pets looking for a home.

The cat population in Australia is particularly troubled. More cats are euthanized than any other animal, and many more felines are looking for homes. With that said, there are several dogs euthanized, as well. Luckily, most euthanizations these days are due to behavioral or medical problems that make the pet unable to be adopted.

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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Have you ever wondered how pet healthcare works in Canada? A routine exam is more expensive than in the neighboring United States. Overall, Canadian veterinarians do have higher salaries, but also tend to start their careers with a larger pile of debt. Plus, there are only 5 accredited veterinary colleges in Canada and Canadians must attend university in the province where they live. All of these factors contribute to very few people actually becoming veterinarians.

It’s projected that there will soon be a shortage of veterinarians in Canada due to burnout over long hours and job functions that are as demanding emotionally as they are physically. Here’s a peek at a few veterinary stats in Canada in case you’re curious, or if you’re considering moving there as a pet owner or prospective future animal doctor.

• Veterinarians by the Numbers
• Expected Growth
• Statistics on Veterinary College

Top 12 Canada Veterinarian Statistics

1. A routine wellness visit costs between $80 and $120 in Canada.
2. There are approximately 15,322 practicing veterinarians in Canada.
3. The majority of Canadian veterinarians are female (62%).
4. 5,383 veterinarians work in Ontario alone.
5. In all of Canada, there are an estimated 3,825 veterinary offices.
6. An estimated 432,533 dogs and cats have a pet insurance policy.
7. 9% of the cat and dog population in Ontario have a pet insurance policy.
8. The Canada Veterinary Healthcare Systems Market is expected to grow 7.25% by 2028.
9. There are only 5 accredited veterinary colleges in all of Canada.
10. Approximately 450 veterinary college students graduate each year.
11. Tuition costs between $4,400-$12,717 per semester depending on the school.
12. Canadian veterinarians earn around $95,000-$145,000 per year.

Veterinarians by the Numbers

1. A routine wellness visit costs between $80 and $120 in Canada.

(Rover, Lemonade)

Compared to $45-$55 in the United States, a wellness visit in Canada is nearly double the price. What’s more, this estimate is basically just the exam fee to see the vet and doesn’t include additional medicines or procedures. Sick visits and emergency clinics cost even more than that.

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2. There are approximately 15,322 practicing veterinarians in Canada.

(Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Zippia)

This isn’t an extremely low number, considering there are only 47,693 practicing veterinarians in the United States. Since there are almost 10 times the number of people living in America compared to Canada, there are substantially more veterinarians per capita in Canada.

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3. The majority of Canadian veterinarians are female (62%).

(Canadian Veterinary Medical Association)

Only 32% of Canadian veterinarians are male. Interestingly, these statistics mirror the demographics in the US. For some reason, women seem to be drawn to the calling much more frequently than men.

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4. 5,383 veterinarians work in Ontario alone.

(Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Living in Canada)

Ontario has the largest number of veterinarians in any of the provinces. Quebec has the second most, with 2,851 doctors operating in the area. Interestingly, veterinarians tend to make the most money in Alberta.

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5. In all of Canada, there are an estimated 3,825 veterinary offices.

(Canada Veterinary Medical Association)

Statistically, this means that every practice has an average of 4-5 veterinarians on staff. Of course, that’s not always accurate, though, since offices are different sizes.

Expected Growth

6. An estimated 432,533 Canadian dogs and cats have a pet insurance policy.

(Mordor Intelligence)

Between 2020 and 2021, the number of pet insurance policies increased by 22.7%. Since pet insurance allows for more frequent visits to the vet without paying the total cost, it’s theorized that the demand for veterinarians will increase accordingly.

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7. 38.9% of the cat and dog population in Ontario have a pet insurance policy.

(Mordor Intelligence)

While 38.9% is an impressive percentage, it’s not too surprising since Ontario has the largest number of veterinarians. The more people that enroll their pets in insurance policies, the more we expect to see veterinary visits rise.

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8. The Canada Veterinary Healthcare Systems Market is expected to grow 7.25% by 2028.

(Mordor Intelligence)

While the rise in pet ownership is a good thing, the fast growth rate could perpetuate the burnout problem that Canadian veterinarians already have been experiencing. If the trend progresses in the current direction, there will be a veterinarian shortage of 15,000 by 2030, which is almost the total number practicing today.

Statistics on Veterinary College

9. There are only 5 accredited veterinary colleges in all of Canada

(CBC National News)

Additionally, Canadians can’t choose which veterinary college they attend. They must enroll at the one located in their province. Admission requirements include 2 years education of pre-veterinary courses at a standard university. Veterinary school in Canada takes between 4-6 years to complete, for a total of about 8 years of higher education.

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10. Approximately 450 veterinary college students graduate each year.

(CBC National News, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association)

Of this number, only about 380 are Canadian citizens. The remainder are international students who may or may not linger. For example, it’s common for an American to attend a Canadian veterinary school, receive their degree, and go back to the United States to start their practice. However, not all universities are accredited for international practice so it depends on the school.

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11. Tuition costs between $4,400-$12,717 per semester.

(CBC National News)

The University of Saskatchewan has the highest tuition, while the Université de Montréal was the least expensive.

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12. Canadian veterinarians earn around $95,000-$145,000 per year.

(Indeed Canada)

While this number sounds appealing, most veterinarians begin their careers in deep debt. Even a six-figure salary isn’t very much considering that veterinary college costs between $340,000-$360,000 and that doesn’t include the two years of preliminary veterinary courses at their local university.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinarians in Canada

1. How long does it take to become a veterinarian in Canada?

After high school, you must take 2 years of pre-veterinary courses at a standard university and then transfer to veterinary college. There are only 5 veterinary colleges in Canada, and the acceptance rate is rather low. Once you’ve completed the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) before applying for a provincial licensing. The entire process, from pre-veterinary courses to licensing, takes roughly 6-8 years.

(Indeed Canada)

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2. Do veterinarians make more money in Canada?

A veterinarian’s actual salary depends on their province and individual clinic, as well as their education status and experience. The normal salary range is between $95,000 and $145,000 per year, compared with a median salary of $100,370 in the US. However, tuition is also much higher in Canada, which means that most veterinarians are swimming in debt for years after they start their careers.

(Indeed Canada, Money)

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3. Will the demand for veterinarians continue to grow?

As in most western countries, pet ownership skyrocketed in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. While veterinarians are certainly happy that so many animals found a home, the rapid rise of pet parenting has led to a veterinarian shortage that’s projected to get worse as we edge towards 2030. Hopefully, there will be more incentives in the near future to address the problem, especially since veterinary college tuition remains high and acceptance rates stay low.

(Mordor Intelligence)

Conclusion

Veterinary costs and salaries are much higher in Canada than they are in the United States. Although the process of becoming a vet is similar in both countries, veterinary college is much more limited and expensive in Canada. As people acquire more pets and pet insurance policies, the demand for more veterinarians is expected to grow.

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Animal testing probably isn’t something many people think about very much, but it’s a reality many animals face. While some types of animal testing are banned in the UK, there are still several procedures performed on animals every year, and these numbers don’t seem to be going down. So, we’ll examine these disheartening animal testing statistics below, and to make it a little easier, we’ve separated the article into the following categories:

12 Disheartening Animal Testing Statistics in The UK

1. In 2021, the number of procedures on animals increased by 6%.
2. 3% of the procedures conducted were described as “severe.”
3. More than 100 million animals are used in research worldwide.
4. Out of 3.06 million procedures, 57% were experimental, & 43% were for creating & breeding genetically altered animals.
5. Animals can be “reused,” so there are more procedures than animals used for testing.
6. The Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986 regulates the use of animals for research in the UK.
7. Some animals used are not mentioned because they aren’t covered by ASPA 1986.
8. Testing cosmetics & their ingredients on animals was banned in 1998 in the UK..
9. The first law came out in 1876 in an attempt to regulate animal testing.
10. In 2021, 10% of procedures conducted in Great Britain were required by law.
11. The RSPCA is working to provide funding & information on alternatives to animal testing.
12. It’s estimated that the UK spends over £1 billion each year on animal testing.

Animal Testing Procedure Statistics

1. In 2021, the number of procedures on animals increased by 6%.

(Understanding Animal Research)

There were 3.06 million procedures on animals carried out in 2021, which was a 6% increase from 2020. 96% of these procedures were performed on rats, mice, fish, and birds, while dogs, cats, and primates accounted for 0.2% of the procedures.

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2. 1.3% of the procedures conducted were described as “severe.”

(Understanding Animal Research)

Half of the procedures were carried out by ten organizations that publish their figures on their websites. A procedure that is considered to be severe means there has been an impact on the health and well-being of the animal. This includes long-term diseases where the animal would need help with everyday activities like eating or drinking or where significant deficits in actions or behaviors persist. Animals found dead were classified as severe.

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3. More than 100 million animals are used in research worldwide.

(RSCPA)

Animals that are tested experience suffering, pain, and distress, and the RSCPA aims to replace animal experiments with humane alternatives worldwide. Until then, they work to ensure the minimum number of animals are used in research, they experience minimal suffering, and their welfare improves significantly.

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4. Out of 3.06 million procedures, 57% were experimental, & 43% were for creating & breeding genetically altered animals.

(Understanding Animal Research)

Experimental procedures use animals to develop treatments, specific surgical training and education, safety testing of pharmaceuticals and other substances, species protection, and environmental research. Procedures for creation and breeding involve breeding animals whose genes have been modified or have mutated. These animals are used to produce genetically altered offspring that are then used in experimental procedures, so while they aren’t used in these procedures, their offspring are.

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5. Animals can be “reused,” so there are more procedures than animals used for testing.

(Understanding Animal Research)

Each test is considered an additional procedure, even if it’s conducted on an animal previously used, which is why the number of procedures is higher. In total, the number of animals used in animal testing procedures in 2021 was 2,978,597.

Animal Testing & the Law

6. The Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986 regulates the use of animals for research in the UK.

(GovUK)

ASPA defines regulated procedures as experiments that could cause potential “pain, suffering, distress, or lasting harm” to protected animals. This includes all living vertebrates except humans. There was an amendment in 1993 to include a single invertebrate, the common octopus, as a protected animal.

Specially protected species are subject to additional protection under this act and can only be used when other species aren’t suitable. This refers to dogs, cats, horses, and non-human primates.

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7. Some animals used are not mentioned because they aren’t covered by ASPA 1986.

(GovUK and Speaking of Research)

Researchers widely use invertebrates like nematode worms and fruit flies, but because they aren’t covered by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, they aren’t included in statistics.

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8. Testing cosmetics & their ingredients on animals was banned in 1998 in the UK.

(Understanding Animal Research and Peta)

While a sales ban was implemented in the UK and EU in March 2013 on animal-tested cosmetic products and ingredients, companies can still sell products in the UK and EU that have been tested on animals.

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9. The first law came out in 1876 in an attempt to regulate animal testing.

(Branch)

The Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986 replaced the Cruelty to Animals Act, which was then replaced by ASPA.

Extra Animal Testing Statistics

10. In 2021, 10% of procedures conducted in Great Britain were required by law.

(Cruelty-Free International)

This means that the rest of the procedures were done so voluntarily, and a significant number were conducted in universities, generally relying on taxpayer funding.

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11. The RSPCA is working to provide funding & information on alternatives to animal testing.

(RSPCA)

The RSPCA state that replacing animals in testing procedures will be difficult, but some alternatives can be used now. Some humane alternatives include:

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12. It’s estimated that the UK spends over £1 billion each year on animal testing.

(Cruelty-Free International)

Animal testing isn’t cheap; some tests can run for years, and the companies must budget to care for the animals.

FAQ

Do Companies Still Apply for Animal Testing Licenses?

Yes, unfortunately, they do, and the numbers are quite high. In 2019, for example, there were 16,100 applications for the three types of licenses needed in the UK to perform animal testing. These licenses are a Personal License for individual testing, Project for the experiment, and an Establishment License for the institution. (GovUK)

Where Do I Get Information on Animal Testing in the UK?

The UK Government posts the statistics of scientific procedures annually in accordance with ASPA. These come out in June each year. (GovUK)

Have There Been Any Improvements Made?

This was the first time there were zero eye irritant tests conducted on animals, and 2021 also saw a decrease in regulatory tests, which are legally required on products like medicines. In these tests, animals are forced to ingest or inhale substances, inject them into their body, or apply them to their skin. (BBC)

Animals Are Protected by the Laws in Place, Aren’t They?

When a new drug is tested, it is done so on two animals: a rodent and a non-rodent. The UK Government defines animal tests as procedures that are “likely to cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm.” This means that while ASPA is there to regulate animal testing, it doesn’t mean very much in practice. These tests are designed to cause harm and distress, and investigations like the one done by Cruelty-Free International in 2013 show animals being mistreated or killed for no other reason except they served no further purpose.

Animal Aid even states that no researcher has ever been prosecuted under the 1986 Act despite investigations that showed dogs being punched, data being fabricated, and researchers laughing as they smashed live mice against benchtops to kill them. (GovUK and Cruelty-Free International and Animal Aid)

Conclusion

The realities of the animal testing world in the UK are harsh, but we should be aware of them, especially as the figures are only rising. Charities like the RSPCA state that there are alternatives to animal testing, but they accept that they cost more and would also take time that some organizations might not be willing to spend. While the UK has put laws in place since the 1800s to protect animals, some organizations and charities question how useful they are in practice.

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