This is an environmental, climate change, overcrowding, animal welfare and revenue generating concern.
All the below animal owners should be taxed on a federal level [a small amount], and the funds raised from this initiative should be put toward efforts to offset the massive greenhouse gas and carbon footprints of these millions of animals, and their support industries. These animals cost Americans billions or trillions, however cute.
[2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey]
Total Number of Pets Owned in the U.S. (in millions)
Birds 16.2, Cats 86.4, Dogs 78.2, Fish 160.1, Other 31.4.
Total ~372.3 MILLION pets.