See How Far We've Come Together in 2025 Preliminary Shelter Data
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.
752 results
— NETWORK PARTNER STATISTICS —
5 points
Higher save rate on average for network partner shelters than non-partners.
5,000+
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.
Turn Your Adopters into Champions at the Pet Lover's Choice Awards
Nov 05
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Mar 27
Get ready for the most exciting event of the year — introducing the Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards! Best Friends is partnering with a new, star-studded, nationally broadcast event that celebrates our beloved pets, and we want your organization to be a part of it. This is the chance to engage your communities, have them celebrate your adoption stories, and receive critical funding — up to $20,000 — for your organization.
National Shelter Medicine Webinar: Disaster Response Essentials for Animal Shelters
Feb 11
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Feb 11
This shelter medicine webinar focuses on how teams can lead effective preparedness and response efforts, from pre-event planning to triage, vaccination, biosecurity, and disease prevention in emergency shelters. Gain strategies to protect staff, reduce overcrowding-related disease risks, and support both animals and communities during high-stress events. Join us at 4pm ET.
From Volunteers to Change-Makers: Turning Passion into Action for Animals
Feb 19
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Feb 19
Learn how to turn a traditional volunteer into a trusted advocacy partner who can help pass animal-friendly laws, support your shelter’s goals, expand capacity, build stronger community partnerships, and more. Join us at 4pm ET to explore digital tools and resources that can help you recruit, support, and activate advocates to help you save more lives.
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.
