Community-Supported Sheltering Stories

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
Winston and Watson the doodle-type dogs

Save rate skyrockets at a West Virginia animal shelter

With an increase in the number of dogs and cats saved from 38% to 83%, Harrison County Animal Control Services moves closer to no-kill.
Working with the community
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Smiling caregiver holding one of the neonatal dragon kittens in gloved hands

Foster caregivers team up to save orphaned kittens

Sometimes it takes a village to save lives, and a team of foster caregivers did just that when a family of kittens landed at the Sanctuary.
Meet the cutest dragons ever
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Happy dog on a leash next to a child in a shelter environment

No-kill 101: Keeping pets at home and out of shelters

Understand why your local animal shelter might ask you to make an appointment — and how it’s different from turning away pets in need.
Vital programs that prioritize lifesaving
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Person at eye level with an orange tabby cat

New programs help save more dogs and cats in Nebraska

Best Friends and Nebraska Humane Society are working together on programs and strategies at the shelter that have had a profound impact on lifesaving.
They now hope to be a guiding light to other organizations
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Best Friends marketing intern Jazmin Aguilar holding a dog wearing a pink Adopt Me bandanna

Intern makes lasting impact for Brownsville pets

Through her shelter marketing internship with Best Friends, Jazmin is helping homeless pets, raising awareness, and setting herself up for future success.
Residents encouraged to get involved
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Person bending down to kiss Pluto the puppy

Tennessee animal shelter’s rapid turnaround

Rhea County Animal Shelter’s save rate hit the no-kill threshold four months in a row, enabling a Best Friends embed assignment to end three months early.
Embed program offers a solid foundation
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Person walking a heeler-type dog outside

Public support is the answer to Los Angeles Animal Services' crisis

Angelenos are a largely untapped reservoir of support for shelter pets.
Urge Los Angeles Animal Services to engage the public
Julie Castle Blog
Person holding a large black dog with upright ears

A community unites for the good of its pets and people

With support from Best Friends, the city of Roswell, New Mexico, is reviewing how it manages animal services by making changes to send more animals home.
Embed program making a difference
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A group of people outside the Sevier County Animal Shelter in Utah

No-kill in Sevier County: A big win for dogs and cats

Shelby Jackman made it her mission to bring her rural county shelter in Utah to no-kill when she became manager.
Establishing a network for lifesaving
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Person wearing scrubs and rubber gloves petting a cat on a scale

Shelter converts crematorium to dog, cat healing area

The removal of an obsolete crematorium symbolizes Animal Rescue League of Berks County’s renewed focus on saving the lives of more dogs and cats.
Their no-kill philosophy is firmly in place
Best Friends Magazine
One person holding a Boston terrier while another person administers a vaccination

Helping people care for their pets in difficult times

With support from Best Friends, a neighborhood program in Georgia is making it possible for more pets to stay with people who love them.
Neighborhood Pet Support program to the rescue
Best Friends Magazine
Person wearing a cowboy hat hugging a large brown dog

Changing life for pets and people in west Texas

With funds from the Rachael Ray No-Kill Excellence Grant, Fix West Texas offers lifechanging assistance to the community’s pets and their people.
Read how they embrace their community
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Staff from San Angelo Animal Services standing in front of empty kennels

Texas animal shelter gets creative to keep pets at home

San Angelo Animal Services and Best Friends collaborate on lifesaving programs to reduce the number of pets entering the shelter.
Offering good programs and a good attitude
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Two people drying a small puppy with a towel

Amazing progress at Brownsville animal shelter

With guidance from Best Friends, a Texas shelter dramatically increased the number of pets saved in six months, despite a midstream distemper outbreak.
Read how things have improved
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