The Data Is In: 2025 National Shelter Data Report
Increase return-to-home rates
In 2024, network partners participated in the Return to Home Challenge to help lost dogs find their way back home faster, resulting in a 170% increase in return-to-home in-field outcomes alone.
Drive more adoptions
Last year, network partners participated in the Bring Love Home Challenge to decrease barriers to adoption and fostering, resulting in an 11.4% increase in adoption and foster placements for 209 reporting organizations.
Build lifesaving momentum
2024 data shows a 7.5% increase in transfers out, but there’s still work to do to create more movement in the animal welfare ecosystem and open up space in shelters for those in need.
Resource Library
Access proven lifesaving strategies in our free library of resources for shelters and rescue groups. Information-sharing is a key component of the Best Friends Network.
777 results
— NETWORK PARTNER STATISTICS —
5 points
Higher save rate on average for network partner shelters than non-partners.
6,000+
Shelters, rescue groups, and support organizations make up the Best Friends Network.
$2.4M
In grants. This year, our partners can access more than $2.4 million in grant funding.
Get Involved
The Best Friends Network is committed to saving the lives of homeless cats and dogs through collaboration, information-sharing, and implementation of proven strategies. Get involved for free!
Opportunities to connect and save the lives of pets
Have fun and connect with fellow network partners and animal lovers at these upcoming events.
How Do We Keep Veterinary Staff From Leaving? Wellbeing and Retention in Animal Shelters
Jun 10
Recruiting veterinary professionals is hard. Keeping them can feel even harder. We'll review the literature on veterinary wellbeing and staff retention, with a focus on animal shelter medicine. We'll discuss organizational and leadership strategies that improve job satisfaction, reduce burnout risk, and help staff not only stay in the field, but enjoy their lives outside of work too.
Get the support you need
The Best Friends Network team is your lifeline to support for your organization and collaboration with other network partners.
Let’s be friends!
Connect with us on social media to stay in the loop about the lifesaving progress we’re making together.
