Proven Strategies, Proven Impact
Thanks to you, 3.6 million cats and dogs were saved in shelters across the country in 2022.
Numbers to Celebrate in 2022
Still, the situation is urgent for homeless pets
4.4 million pets entered America’s shelters in 2022, an increase of nearly 2% since 2021.
378,000 dogs and cats were killed in America’s shelters. That’s roughly 1,000 per day.
Dog adoptions lost ground to breeder purchases. In 2022, dogs made up 45% of the animals killed in America’s shelters, a steep increase from 30% in 2021.
Overall, shelters experienced a higher volume of intakes, while adoptions and fostering did not keep pace.
Yet we're optimistic. Here's Why:
Just 1% of shelters make up nearly 60% of the increase in dogs and cats killed.
Of the 3,943 shelters in the United States, 57% of them are now no-kill. This is an increase from 52% in 2021.
No-kill isn’t just possible, it’s sustainable. Nationwide, 93% of shelters that were no-kill in 2021 remained no-kill in 2022.
A National Initiative to Save Them All
Partners and Places
Best Friends works with more than 4,200 shelter and rescue partners across all 50 states. More than 550 new partners joined the Best Friends Network in 2022.
Focused Impact
We’ve collected data for 95% of pets in America’s shelters, which tells us where help is needed most and which animals are most at risk.
Lifesaving Solutions
Best Friends is investing in proven programs that help shelters save more lives and inspire action.
The Road Map to No-Kill Nationwide
Giving dogs and cats at our sanctuary and lifesaving centers all the love and care they need to find homes of their own
Supporting shelters and rescue groups with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to save more lives and achieve no-kill in their community
Inspiring more people to adopt, foster, volunteer, and advocate for homeless pets