Choropleth map of U.S. states showing the euthanasia rate for dogs entering shelters in 2023. In general, southern states had a higher euthanasia rate than states in the north. In New Mexico, 23% of dogs who entered the shelter from January to July were euthanized. In South Dakota, that number was only 0.5%. Overall, 9.5% of dogs entering shelters in the U.S. were euthanized.