Why Are There So Many Stray Animals In Illinois?

Why Are There So Many Stray Animals In Illinois?

If you've noticed stray cats popping up more around your neighborhood in recent weeks, it's been a problem for a lot of Illinois residents.

Illinois' stray and homeless animal problem isn't caused by just one thing.  It's a combination of economic pressures, access to veterinary care, uncontrolled breeding and challenges communities face when trying to care for animals without homes.

Read More: Noah's Ark in Rockford's Field Trips for Adoptable Dogs

And unfortunately, there isn't one simple solution.

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The Rising Cost Of Owning A Pet

Pets are family, but taking care of them isn't cheap.

Between food, vet costs, medications and unexpected emergencies, the cost of owning a pet can add up quickly.  When families are already struggling to make ends meet, caring for a pet can become financially difficult.

Some owners turn to shelters to surrender their animals when they can no longer afford to take care of them.  Housing restrictions can also leave people in sticky situations & rush to find a new home for their pets.

That means some animals actually end up on the streets instead of a new home, which is really common for a lot of pets.

Why Spaying and Neutering Matters

Another major factor is uncontrolled breeding.

When cats and dogs aren't spayed or neutered. They can reproduce, adding more animals to communities already trying to care for strays.  Cats can be challenging when outdoor populations grow and new litters appear.

Read More: 15 Top-Rated Animal Shelters & Rescues In Illinois

If you see a stray that isn't fixed, try to bring them to a shelter to get them spayed or neutered!  Though services aren't always accessible to everyone, at least try to find a way.

Animal Shelters Are Facing Multiple Challenges

Shelters can also struggle, too.  If they're bringing in more pets than they can adopt out, they become overcrowded and have to stop stray intake or quickly find foster homes.

Here's a list of the top-rated shelters around Rockford if you need resources:

• Boone County IL Animal Services
• Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary, Inc. Rockford IL
• Winnebago County Animal Services
• Animal House Shelter
•  Brown Paws Dog Rescue
• Friends Forever Humane Society
• Tails Humane Society
• Green County Humane Society
• CARE for PETS
• Cause For Paws Rescue
• Fresh Start Animal Rescue
• Paddy Paws in Fort Atkinson
• Mending Hearts Rescue
• Animal House Shelter
• Second City Canine Rescue

If you're looking to adopt a new furry companion, or have been taking care of tons of strays in your neighborhood, consider talking to shelters to see the best options for you and to help the strays who find comfort approaching you for food and shelter.