Using data and research to save lives
We’ve compiled the latest research and tools to help you easily integrate data into your operations.
Shelter Data
The following tools put the latest animal welfare industry data right at your fingertips so you can make more informed lifesaving decisions for your organization.
Tools for shelters and rescues
We have created a series of tools to help with strategic goal setting, identifying opportunities and next steps, and tracking your lifesaving progress.
Expert research for shelters and rescuers
Explore the latest animal welfare industry data and research so you can make more informed lifesaving decisions for your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Best Friends collect data?
Best Friends believes that data accuracy and transparency are important for helping save the lives of shelter pets across the US. As such, Best Friends has developed the most comprehensive and accurate dataset of US Shelter Data in the industry. Best Friends' dataset includes data for nearly 4,000 US shelters. The data is collected through voluntarily data reporting, through public available data sources, from Freedom-of-Information Act request as well as through our hands-on work with hundreds of shelters and more than 5,000 Best Friends Network Partners across the nation. This data is then made publicly available through our Pet Lifesaving Dashboard as the state, county and shelter level so people can gain the best understanding of what is happening in their states and communities.
How does SPDA differ from the lifesaving dashboard?
SPDA is the logical next step in Best Friend’s data support offerings, allowing groups to recognize critical needs as they arise whereas the Pet Lifesaving Dashboard runs off the previous year’s data.
How should my organization type provide data?
Data reporting requirements and method vary based on your organization type. To determine how your organization should get started with reporting data, review the organization types below.
If you have already submitted your application, please take a few minutes to review and complete the remaining steps.
Shelters and Rescues
If your organization manages intakes and outcomes of animals, including transfer of ownership, make an account on Shelter Pet Data Alliance. See organization type details below.
If you are unable to make an account on SPDA due to government restrictions or accessibility, please upload your data using the monthly and annual data collection form.
In addition to annual data, please note that to be eligible for participation in our promotions and events, and to be considered for grants, monthly data compliance is required.
Best Friends organization type definitions:
- Government Animal Services - Organizations operated by a municipal government with a permanent non-residential facility that take in more than 20 total dogs and cats annually and do not transfer all their animals to another facility.
- Animal Shelter with a Government Contract - Organizations with a permanent non-residential facility with at least one government contract that take in more than 20 total dogs and cats annually and do not transfer all their animals to another facility.
- Animal Rescue with a Government Contract - Organizations without a brick-and-mortar facility with at least one government contract that take in more than 20 total dogs and cats annually.
- Shelter without a Government Contract - Organizations with a permanent non-residential facility that take in more than 200 total dogs and cats annually with open hours to the public at least 2 days per week.
- Rescue without a Government Contract - Organizations that are private without a government contract that do not meet requirements of a Shelter without a Government Contract.
- Private Friends of a Municipal Shelter - Groups that exist only to support a specific municipal shelter and do not take in or adopt out animals within your own organization. The shelter that a friends of group is supporting needs to report their data directly to Best Friends.
Support Groups
If your organization is a support non-profit including spay/neuter only, intake prevention, or transport organization, please use the community services data form. See organization type details below.
Community support organizations must update their stats annually and should submit monthly data to be eligible for funding opportunities.
Best Friends organization type definitions:
- Spay/Neuter Only Group - Organizations that only perform or subsidize spay/neuter surgeries and do not intake animals. This includes TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) organizations with strictly return-to-field outcomes.
- Intake Prevention Organization - Organizations that operate intake diversion programs and do not intake animals.
- Transport Organization - Organizations that operate transport programs on behalf of shelters and/or rescue groups and do not intake animals.
Get the support you need
The Best Friends Network team is your lifeline to support for your organization and collaboration with other network partners.
We can also connect you with Best Friends experts, resources, funding opportunities, and so much more. Meet the team or connect with us on social media to stay in the loop about the lifesaving progress we’re making together.
Become a network partner
The Best Friends Network is composed of thousands of public and private shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter organizations, and other animal welfare organizations in all 50 states. We are a community committed to saving the lives of homeless cats and dogs through collaboration, information-sharing, and implementation of proven lifesaving strategies. Our partners support each other and inspire their own communities to increase the lifesaving of dogs and cats across the country.
We are here to help with free programs that directly support your work. In a few simple steps, you can sign up to be a network partner for free.
About the Best Friends Network
The network is a free community of over 5,000 animal welfare organizations, including shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter groups, transport groups, and other support organizations.
The Best Friends Network is your support system in your journey to save the lives of dogs and cats in your communities. Network partners gain access to exclusive challenges, grants, resources, and dedicated support.
Connect with partners across the country, access proven strategies, and collaborate to increase lifesaving nationwide.