What is a key factor contributing to pet overpopulation?

A key factor contributing to pet overpopulation is the lack of spaying and neutering programs. When pet owners do not spay or neuter their pets, it allows for uncontrolled breeding, leading to a larger number of litters and, consequently, more animals than there are homes available. Spaying and neutering effectively reduce the number of unwanted animals by preventing pregnancies.

In contrast, high adoption rates would typically help mitigate pet overpopulation by finding homes for the animals already in shelters. An increase in pet ownership education can lead to more responsible pet ownership, including promoting spaying and neutering, which would further address overpopulation issues. Animal welfare organizations' interventions often aim to educate the public and provide spaying/neutering services, contributing positively to reducing the overall population of homeless pets. Thus, without widespread access to and acceptance of spaying and neutering programs, the issue of pet overpopulation remains a significant challenge.