Most Common Dog Breeds for Adoption in Wyoming

As dog adoption trends shift across the country, Wyoming shelters continue to house a variety of breeds in need of loving homes, Wyoming News Now reports.

While adoption rates have fluctuated, a 2024 report from Shelter Animals Count (SAC) suggests a slight decline in the number of dogs surrendered by their owners, down 4.5% since 2023. However, challenges remain as shelters work to balance intake with adoption rates.

According to data from 13,527 animal shelters and rescues across North America, the overall dog adoption rate has dipped by 1% from last year. The trend varies depending on the type of organization—while private shelters reported a 2.6% decrease in adoptions, government-run shelters saw a 3% increase.

A separate study from Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS) offers a more optimistic view, reporting a 4.7% increase in dog adoptions between December 2023 and November 2024. In particular, government shelters experienced a 10.4% rise in adoptions, indicating growing public interest in adopting from these facilities.

Despite these positive developments, shelters continue to face overcapacity challenges. Larger dogs tend to stay in shelters longer, with a median stay of 20 days, compared to 14 days for smaller breeds. This extended stay time limits shelter resources and contributes to a 5% increase in euthanasia rates, as more dogs are surrendered than adopted.

According to Petfinder data from April 2, 2025, there were 243 dogs listed for adoption across Wyoming shelters. The most frequently available breeds include:

1. Mixed Breed – 17

2. Beagle – 16

3. Labrador Retriever – 16

4. Pit Bull Terrier – 14

5. Border Collie – 8

6. Pit Bull Terrier, Mixed Breed – 7

7. Black Labrador Retriever – 6

8. Labrador Retriever, Pit Bull Terrier – 5

9. Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler, Mixed Breed – 5

10. Chihuahua – 5

11. German Shepherd Dog – 4

12. Greyhound, Shepherd – 4

13. Shepherd, Mixed Breed – 4

14. Labrador Retriever, Mixed Breed – 3

15. Border Collie, Mixed Breed – 3

16. Black Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd Dog – 3

To combat shelter overpopulation, many organizations are implementing initiatives to encourage adoption. Some shelters waive adoption fees to attract potential pet owners, while businesses like Lyft and the Philadelphia Eagles have sponsored adoption events and covered fees to help dogs find homes.

Raising awareness of the shelter capacity crisis has also influenced adoption rates. According to SAC, its advocacy efforts resulted in over 6,000 news features in 2024, helping to promote adoption as an alternative to purchasing from breeders. If just 6% of prospective pet owners chose adoption instead of buying from a breeder, shelters could significantly reduce euthanasia rates, saving over 420,000 dogs annually, according to BFAS.

For those considering adoption, financial planning is crucial. The ASPCA estimates first-year pet expenses at approximately $3,221, with an annual cost of around $1,391 thereafter. Additional factors include time availability, socialization needs, and compatibility with existing pets.

By choosing adoption, potential pet owners not only gain a loving companion but also contribute to reducing shelter overcrowding and euthanasia rates.