Annual Report 2024: Best Friends Animal Society
As we reflect on 2024 — a year that marked 40 years of lifesaving for Best Friends — we’re inspired not only by the progress we’ve already made with your support but also by the difference we’re making today and by what we will do together tomorrow.
Every shelter that reaches a 90% save rate, the benchmark for no-kill, brings us closer to a future where cats and dogs don’t lose their lives just because they don’t have safe places to call home. No-kill is happening, and it’s powered by all of you. In fact, 2024 was a milestone year for America’s cats and kittens, with the number of cats killed in shelters reaching an all-time low.
In every community, every state, every region — your commitment to lifesaving is changing the game.
Your constant support not only made all the lifesaving possible but has also launched us into 2025 stronger and more determined than ever. As we move forward together into this pivotal year, we remain deeply committed to achieving no-kill nationwide. From the animals, from our partners, and from everyone at Best Friends: thank you.
Thank you for making 2024 a year of meaningful change for the animals and for fueling our momentum in 2025 and beyond. Together, we will Save Them All.
2024: A Year to Celebrate
Because of you, in 2024:
17,848
animals were adopted through Best Friends programs, promotions, and events. Because of you, they’re enjoying the second chances they deserve.
20,673
animals were spayed or neutered by Best Friends with your support. This saves lives by stemming the flow of puppies and kittens entering shelters.
8,872
pets were transported by Best Friends from one community where they’re at risk to another community where they’re more likely to get adopted, helping to save the lives of homeless pets.
7,942
dogs and cats were placed in Best Friends foster homes. Fostering helps to prepare an animal for life in a home, while increasing lifesaving by opening up space in shelters for other pets in need.
12,544
amazing volunteers gave 523,215 hours across all our programs. From fostering to transporting pets to safety to helping out at our events, they made our lifesaving possible.
125,000
grassroots advocates drove change in their communities by helping to fight puppy mills, end breed-specific legislation, protect outdoor cats, and keep pets with their people.
40
legislative wins were gained on behalf of the animals by supporting Best Friends’ legislative efforts and championing animals where they live. As more people join this movement, its collective power grows.
$17M+
in funding was provided by Best Friends and you to 964 network partners and other organizations, going straight to work saving lives and providing homeless animals the help and healing needed to land loving homes.
5,021
Best Friends Network Partners throughout the U.S. worked to save the lives of dogs and cats in communities like yours across the country.
BEST FRIENDS’ EXPENSES AND REVENUE FOR 2024
October 1, 2023–September 30, 2024
 | Programs $272,813,891 (87%) |
 | General and Management $12,804,232 (4%) |
 | Fundraising $29,328,224 (9%) |
| Donations From Individuals $128,658,613 (44%) |
| In-Kind Donations $146,197,635 (50%) |
| Corporate and Foundation Gifts Grants $10,443,610 (4%) |
 | Other $5,335,450 (2%) |
A special thank-you to Blue Buffalo, our official pet food and treats partner, and Fresh Step, our official litter partner, for generously providing food, treats, and litter to the animals at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and our lifesaving centers.
