Julie Castle with Sunny the dog

Julie Castle's Blog

Julie Castle is Chief Executive Officer of Best Friends Animal Society. Read More @BFAS_Julie

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A gray kitten waves from its bowl
No-kill shelters are now the norm
There’s a tipping point in all great things. It’s the moment the scales shift their balance — when the heavy and seemingly…
The no-kill movement is real - and working.
Julie Castle Blog
Liz and Erica, with one holding a cat
A beautiful day in the neighborhood
How Chicagoans are stepping up for community cats
Cats in Action works to support and create community cat programs in the Windy City
Julie Castle Blog
Shadow, one of the Vicktory Dogs
190 dogs rescued from LeShon Johnson’s dogfighting ring
Federal authorities are calling it the largest single-person bust in history.
The victims of dogfighting deserve a chance to live
Julie Castle Blog
Johnney Ehrlich beside a window with a kitten
A little ‘tush push’ is sometimes all it takes
The power of teamwork and a well-timed push can be unstoppable.
A little push helps shelter with TNVR and other lifesaving programs
Julie Castle Blog
Julie Castle with Susanne Kogut and Denise Deisler at the Best Friends National Conference
Celebrating the heart of a champion
The commitment of someone who plays to win, instead of playing not to lose
Recognizing two lifesaving women
Julie Castle Blog
Dog in create for a flight transport following the Los Angeles fires
An unexpected reprieve in shelters after the L.A. wildfires
Thank you for supporting our second home.
A look back at the Los Angeles wildfires
Julie Castle Blog
Two kittens snuggled sleeping together on a red bed
More shelter pets adopted in 2024, but the fight isn’t over
Data reveals gains in adoption and fewer shelter animals killed, yet shelters are still facing challenges—especially for big dogs.
Positive trends but there’s more work to be done
Julie Castle Blog
NKLA black and white billboard featuring Jewell the dog
A Love Letter to Los Angeles
We are doing all we can to help you through these wildfires.
Julie's heartfelt tribute to L.A.
Julie Castle Blog
Profile of two shepherd-type dogs.
'Let’s stop killing animals in shelters and get more of them adopted out'
Los Angeles Times editorial board calls out the conditions and operations at Los Angeles Animal Services.
Support the pets of Los Angeles
Julie Castle Blog
Dog with two different colored eyes and licking his lips in a home environment holding a toy ball
Lack of funding and lifesaving structure is costing lives at LAAS
Increased deaths and missed opportunities demand accountability and action.
Demand change now
Julie Castle Blog
Shepherd-type dog in a home setting
3.4% fewer animals were killed in shelters so far in 2024
Best Friends’ latest data shows a turning point for shelters across the country.
Let’s celebrate the positive momentum in lifesaving
Julie Castle Blog
Tabby kitten lying on a gray blanket with another cat in the background
Virginia’s no-kill commitment: A big win for pets in the commonwealth
Virginia Loves Shelter Animals Month encourages no-kill in 2025.
This isn’t just a declaration — it’s a rallying cry
Julie Castle Blog
Person holding a puppy at the Los Angeles Super Adoption while another person behind them holds a sign that says I adopted my best friend
Empty trucks return to shelters after Best Friends Super Adoption
More than 460 dogs and cats were saved in Los Angeles.
Proof that collaboration works for all concerned
Julie Castle Blog
Person with a dog with a downed tree in Florida after Hurricane Milton
Best Friends' lifesaving work in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton
A summary of our crisis response over the past three weeks
Helping shelters and communities in need
Julie Castle Blog
Person walking a gray and white pit-bull-type dog outside on a sidewalk
Best Friends withdraws offer of support to Los Angeles Animal Services
City of Los Angeles ignores Best Friends' offer — dysfunction trumps common sense.
Will still maintain presence in Los Angeles
Julie Castle Blog