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.
772 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.
Turn Your Adopters into Champions at the Pet Lover's Choice Awards
Nov 05
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Apr 06
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.
Beyond the Numbers: What 2025 Shelter Data Reveals — and How to Put It to Work
Apr 16
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Apr 16
Join Best Friends Animal Society for a live walkthrough of the 2025 national shelter data — what changed, what it means, and how your organization can use it right now — with the people who build and analyze the data every day.
In this webinar, the data experts behind the nation's most comprehensive shelter dataset will feature insights from our upcoming data report which will launch before the event. We’ll 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.
Register to join live on Thursday, April 16 at 4pm ET.
In this webinar, the data experts behind the nation's most comprehensive shelter dataset will feature insights from our upcoming data report which will launch before the event. We’ll 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.
Register to join live on Thursday, April 16 at 4pm ET.
Rethinking Retroviruses: FeLV and FIV Testing Updates
Apr 22
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Apr 22
This session with Dr. Erin Katribe will equip shelter veterinarians and staff with the most current, evidence-based guidance on FeLV and FIV testing, interpretation, and management in the shelter setting. Participants will explore updated diagnostic recommendations, common testing challenges, and practical approaches for integrating testing into daily shelter operations.
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.
