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Regardless of the source of the estimates, however, all agree that the numbers are in the millions. Even after removing animals that are unlikely to make good pets or those that are surrendered because of old age or illness, millions of healthy animals are euthanatized because they are homeless. The problem has been called pet overpopulation, suggesting that if only feline and canine birthrates were further reduced, the problem would disappear. Many, including shelter veterinarians and managers, have disputed this, pointing out that puppies and often kittens are not the predominant age group being euthanatized, but rather adolescent and older animals that have been in homes but are no longer wanted by their original owners. 3, 4 They have emphasized that addressing pet fertility alone will not stop euthanasia of adoptable animals. 5 Numerous authors and researchers in the veterinary and humane …