Saturday, August 26th marks National Dog Day, providing an opportune moment to address the urgent matter of reducing the loss of lives among sheltered dogs. Presently, shelters are witnessing a higher euthanasia rate compared to previous years, necessitating a conversation about how individuals can contribute to the well-being of homeless canines nationwide.
Each day in the United States, more than 450 dogs face the unfortunate fate of being euthanized within shelters due to their lack of permanent homes. This translates to approximately 20 dogs losing their lives every hour across shelters throughout the country.
Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, emphasized the current paradox wherein dogs, our cherished companions, are regrettably losing their lives. Castle highlighted the ongoing efforts to transition the nation into a “no-kill” status, safeguarding the lives of homeless pets across all communities and shelters. To achieve this goal, she urged pet lovers to join hands and provide assistance to their local shelters promptly.
Based on data from the prominent animal welfare organization, Best Friends Animal Society, dedicated to ending cat and dog euthanasia in American shelters by 2025, 2022 witnessed an influx of approximately 100,000 dogs entering shelters. Simultaneously, dog adoptions hovered around one million nationwide, while industry figures indicated a steady rise in the acquisition of dogs from breeders and pet stores over recent years.
Here are a few actionable ways you can contribute to homeless dogs and shelters within your community. Every life saved brings us closer to the crucial objective of eradicating unnecessary euthanasia in shelters, progressing toward a “no-kill” nation.
Adopting:For individuals seeking to welcome a new furry friend into their household, opting for adoption presents a straightforward avenue towards advancing the “no-kill” initiative. Whether you desire a canine companion that’s suitable for families with children or a smaller, low-energy friend for apartment living, shelters throughout the nation are brimming with a diverse selection of dogs perfectly matched to various lifestyles.
Fostering:If adoption isn’t your current plan, fostering emerges as a wonderful alternative. Fostering grants animals the necessary environment and period to unwind while adapting to a domestic setting. This practice significantly contributes to the “no-kill” cause by affording animals a temporary residence until suitable adoption arrangements are made. Moreover, numerous organizations extend foster-to-adopt programs, enabling individuals to assess if a pet harmonizes with their home dynamics before committing to adoption.
Transporting:Facilitating the movement of animals from regions oversaturated with pets seeking homes to areas experiencing high demand for pets proves indispensable in increasing life-saving efforts. Engaging in the transportation of adoptable animals empowers individuals to actively contribute to the attainment of a “no-kill” objective.
Volunteering: Shelter personnel nationwide face stretched resources. Responsibilities like exercising dogs, maintaining kennels, and handling laundry are all vital to ensure shelters operate seamlessly. Delegating these tasks to volunteers empowers staff to focus extensively on expediting adoptions, overseeing new arrivals, and championing the welfare of their resident animals.
Donating:For those constrained by time, making donations offers valuable resources to aid shelters in their life-saving efforts. These contributions need not solely involve money. Shelters consistently require supplies such as food, blankets, towels, cat litter, and even used newspapers. Connecting with your nearby shelter allows you to ascertain their specific needs and extend support accordingly.
Sharing:Shelters and rescue organizations frequently highlight dogs requiring assistance within their establishments. Sharing these posts across social media platforms enhances awareness and aids in connecting dogs with potential foster or adoptive families. This simple, cost-free method effectively contributes to creating a positive impact.
About Best Friends Animal Society
Established in 1984, Best Friends Animal Society stands as a prominent force in animal welfare, committed to eradicating the euthanasia of dogs and cats in American shelters by 2025. A pioneer in the no-kill movement, Best Friends has been instrumental in reducing annual shelter animal euthanasia from an estimated 17 million to approximately 378,000. With a sprawling presence, Best Friends orchestrates life-saving initiatives across the nation and operates the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country. Collaboratively partnering with over 4,300 animal welfare organizations, shelters, and community members, Best Friends is dedicated to the collective mission of Saving Them All®.
