Practical Steps to Prevent Shelter Overpopulation

Shelter overpopulation isn’t just a rescue problem—it’s a community problem. Every year, millions of dogs enter U.S. shelters, many due to preventable circumstances like unplanned litters, unprepared owners, and irresponsible breeding practices.

At Herzog’s Heroes, we believe real change starts with prevention. From promoting spay/neuter and breeder accountability to educating owners and enforcing regulations, there are concrete steps we can take to stop the cycle before it starts.

This article breaks down 10 actionable strategies to reduce shelter intake—steps that individuals, breeders, rescues, and lawmakers can all take to create lasting, systemic change.