Economics of Pet Overpopulation

Companion animals are a common consumer product with one estimate indicating that there are 53 million dogs and 59 million cats living in homes in the United States. Yet despite the prevalence of this consumer good, little attention has been given in the economic literature to the market for companion animals. This research focuses on the effectiveness of various methods of reducing the cost of unwanted dogs. A mixed ecological-economic model of animal flow dynamics is utilized to study the impact of various treatments on dog overpopulation. Survey results for the New York State Capital Region are utilized to estimate model parameters. It is found that the "optimal" policy is very sensitive to the time-scale chosen and how welfare is defined. Spay/neuter education and low cost spay/neuter programs are both found to be very effective, but only using a very long time-horizon and only with certain welfare definitions. Increasing shelter space is only found to be cost effective if the increase in selection is also assumed to increase adoption rates. This research will be of use to academicians as well as practitioners at animal welfare organizations.