1. Jess Burks
March 24, 2016
Scientific Writing
Cats and Dogs (Not the Movie)
Abstract:
Which makes the better pet, cats or dogs? This is a highly debated question among pet
owners, and the answer seems to a resounding ‘dogs’. At the very least, that seems to be the case
when it comes to shelter pets. This study was taken to show how dogs and cats each fare in
similar circumstances in shelters.
The ASPCA website tabulated national statistics about how well dogs and cats fare in
shelters, especially in different cases; such as which animals were euthanized more, or returned
to their original owners.
These results show that each animal fares differently in different conditions. 3.9 million
dogs are admitted to animal shelters, 1.4 million adopted, 542,000 returned to their owners, and
1.2 million euthanized. On the other hand, 3.4 million cats are admitted to animal shelters, 1.3
million are adopted, 100,000 returned to their owners, and 1.4 million are euthanized
Looking at these statistics, it was baffling to see how different conditions were for cats
and dogs in animal shelters. This is not to say that it’s all bad for cats though-if one looks at the
percentage, it is shown that a slightly larger percentage of cats are adopted than dogs
Introduction:
Which makes the better pet, cats or dogs? This is a highly debated question among pet
owners, and the answer seems to a resounding ‘dogs’. At the very least, that seems to be the case

2. Jess Burks
March 24, 2016
Scientific Writing
when it comes to shelter pets. This study was taken to show how dogs and cats each fare in
similar circumstances in shelters.
Methods and Materials:
The ASPCA website tabulated national statistics about how well dogs and cats fare in
shelters, especially in different cases; such as which animals were euthanized more, or returned
to their original owners.
Results:
These results show that each animal fares differently in different conditions. An average
of 3.9 million dogs are admitted to animal shelters, as opposed to 3.4 million cats that enter. As
was illustrated, 1.4 million dogs are adopted, 542,000 returned to their owners, and only 1.2
million are euthanized. 1.3 million cats are adopted, 100,000 returned to their owners, and 1.4
million were euthanized. To put that into percent form, 35% of dogs that enter are adopted, 31%
euthanized, and 26% returned to their owners; as opposed to cats, where 37% are adopted, 41%
are euthanized, and only 5% returned to their owners.
Discussion:
Looking at these statistics, it was baffling to see how different conditions were for cats
and dogs in animal shelters. Though it’s not entirely surprising-dogs are more popular a pet than

3. Jess Burks
March 24, 2016
Scientific Writing
cats. This is not to say that it’s all bad for cats though-if one looks at the percentage, it is shown
that a slightly larger percentage of cats are adopted than dogs. But at the same time, more cats
are likely to be euthanized than dogs, and less cats are returned to their owners. So what is the
reason for this?
Part of the reason could be that less people are likely to bring home pets that are
‘damaged’ in some way. For example, a pet that has three legs, or is blind or deaf is less likely to
be adopted than an able-bodied one. What most people fail to realize is that these are the animals
most in need of a loving home. Dogs are more affectionate and friendly, as opposed to cats,
which can seem aloof (and don’t like belly rubs). It is much better to adopt an animal from a
shelter than buy one from a pet store, but the would-be owner must keep in mind the animal
which needs them the most.
References:
Pet Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved Spring, 2016, from http://www.aspca.org/animal-
homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics