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The State of U.S. Animal Sheltering, 2021

New Report Shows How Social Vulnerability Affects Lifesaving

Volunteers prove they can do more than just walk dogs or play with cats

Mary Hartrich, strategist, network experience

Our expert panelists will take you through the entire application process — from which grant type to submit for, the types of submissions that will be considered, and relevant deadlines; to best practices for letters of interest and applications; and what the application and selection process entail…

Shelters that post more of their pets to Adopt a Pet and Petfinder have higher save rates than those that post fewer of their pets — with shelters that post all the available pets in their care having save rates five percentage points higher.

Keeping Pets with their Families

With New World Screwworm confirmed in South Texas, shelters in southern states should approach fly mitigation in layers. The core risk is a female fly finding an open wound or moist body opening. The good news: there are simple strategies to prevent pets from being affected, and reducing the opportu…

What shelters and rescues need to know about New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax), which was confirmed in South Texas on June 3, 2026, marking its return to the U.S. for the first time since eradication in 1966.

You don't need to be a veterinarian to play a critical role in protecting the animals in your shelter. You just need to know what to look for and what to do when you see it.