Everyone has to meet the pet, the pet has to be matched to the activity level of the family, nervous dogs don't go to homes with little kids, there has to be either proof of home ownership or a pet permission from a landlord, etc. Some places even do home visits and won't let you have a dog if you don't have a fenced back yard.

On the bright side, those numbers go back five years--starting in 2010. And some of those pets are the same pets, recycled:

I volunteered at. They were VERY strict, and rightly so. The Wake County shelter is improving, but not nearly fast enough.

I interpreted the article as 1,000 animals returned since 2010, so yes, about 200 per year.

the Alexandria Animal Welfare League in NoVa where I adopted my second pooch, and the OBG, Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue organization in the DMV Metro area. Thanks for the post on God's critters.

in Alexandria! It was shocking to see how things ran here in NC, especially learning of gas chamber facilities.

North Carolina Abolishes Gas Chambers For Dogs And Cats
https://www.thedodo.com/north-carolina-ban-gas-chamber-870376473.html

Our Gov and First Lady are supposedly huge dog lovers -- they need to shine more of a spotlight on animal welfare.

Hope they're doing OK, I try to donate a little annually to help out. Very sorry to hear of the situation in NC, good that the Gov. and First Lady are dog lovers. So much has happened in the last 5-10 years economically, politically, and GOP governance- Art Pope there, crazies here too. Glad to know of abolishing the horrid facilities, so cruel. Communities and cities are overrun with need as you well know. I would have 5 if I could!

Two cats is OK, but three is venturing into crazy cat lady territory. Guess I can live with that! I really want to start fostering dogs, but my work schedule doesn't allow. I did just interview for a great position that allows one day per week from home, so fingers crossed. Think I could do it with three days at home and "normal" 8-hour days.

For me, it is the crazy cat guy syndrome. I would take them all if I could, but it's just not doable. I have adopted dozens of cats and dogs in my life, mostly strays but many from shelters. Have never had a "bad one". Not once. Taking a pet is a commitment, and a serious one. I am stunned by folks I know who "give up" their pets over minor inconveniences.

A few years ago, I took an old Tom who had cancer. He was the most loving cat I ever owned. I gave him the best home I could and he had a happy last couple of years. I wouldn't have returned him for all the gold in the world. The love they give is more than the love they take.

I'm going to swing by the shelter next week... I may be upping my limit of 2!