Beyond the Numbers: What 2025 Shelter Data Reveals — and How to Put It to Work

Best Friends Animal Society walks through the 2025 national shelter data — what changed, what it means, and how your organization can use it right now.

The data experts behind the nation's most comprehensive shelter dataset break down the year's most important trends, share the stories behind the standout numbers, and show you how to turn national data into local action.  

Panelists include: 

• Three data experts from Best Friends Animal Society: Sally Heins-Limberty, Director of Data Acquisition and Partnerships; Jon Davis, Manager of Shelter and Community Research; and Thera Marine, Data Visualization Specialist.
   
• Sarah Aguilar, Director of Santa Barbara County Animal Services, shares how the data is used to save lives at a large municipal shelter.
   
• Michelle Dunivan, Senior Director of Insights & Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society, serves as moderator. 

Whether you're a shelter director, a rescue leader, or an advocate working to move your community toward no-kill, this session will give you something you can act on the next day.