Our country’s animal shelters are in crisis, but you can help.

Puppy sitting outside with a person

Adopt some love, save some lives.

At this very moment, about 100,000 more dogs and cats in U.S. shelters are at risk of being killed compared to this time last year.

Because of the pandemic, more pets are entering shelters, fewer pets are being adopted, shelters are short-staffed and adoption events are limited. But you can help by adopting a pet.

Adoption gives one lucky dog or cat a home and creates space for another pet to be rescued.

That means when you adopt a pet, you become a lifesaver to two animals in need. Not to mention, when you adopt a pet, you gain a friend — the best one you’ve ever had. A loyal companion who can offer you comfort and love, no matter what uncertainty life holds.

Ready to adopt?

So many whiskered faces and wagging tails need your help. So please be a lifesaver today and adopt a pet from your local shelter or rescue group.

The animals need your help

The Latest

Person in green shirt holding a small dog outside

An urgent call to action

On any given day, more than 950 dogs and cats are killed in shelters simply because they don’t have safe places to call home.
Person holding a cat

2022 animal shelter crisis impact: Dallas Animal Services

DAS fights to serve its community, maintain a slipping save rate and keep staff healthy.
Person holding a kitten

Can’t adopt right now?

Consider opening your home to a foster pet. Whether it’s for a few days or a few weeks, fostering helps save lives.
A person feeding cats in a grassy area

Found a cat?

There’s a good chance he’s not lost but simply a community cat who lives outside. If the cat looks sick or injured, a veterinarian can help. Learn more about community cats.
Person holding a tiny orange kitten

Thinking about buying a pet?

Please adopt instead. No matter what breed, age or type of pet you’re searching for, you’re bound to find the friend of your dreams at a shelter or rescue group.
Person sitting with a dog on a doorstep

Inspired by one extraordinary dog

After fostering a dog who required a little extra time to get used to living in a home, a couple is inspired to adopt another with the same need.

Found a lost pet?

Before taking a lost pet to your local shelter, try visiting a veterinarian’s office to see if the pet has a microchip. If the pet doesn’t have one, try to reunite the pet with her family via social media and apps like Nextdoor.com.

Get more tips for reuniting lost pets with their people.

About Best Friends

Best Friends Animal Society is working to save the lives of cat and dogs all across the country, giving pets second chances and happy homes. Just five years ago, nearly 1.5 million cat and dogs were being killed in America just because shelters didn't have the community support or the resources needed to save them.

Best Friends is committed to change that by 2025, by operating the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals and working with shelters across the country. Together, we can Save Them All.