Every day 586 dogs are killed in America due to lack of kennel space
Animal shelters are in crisis due to the rising number of dogs entering compared to those safely exiting through adoption or rescue. Owners are surrendering their pets at an alarmingly increasing rate and dog adoptions are declining. Many dogs will horrifically never leave—not because they are aggressive or broken, but because there simply isn’t enough space for them. The most innocent and unconditionally loving being on earth, being killed daily at daunting rates due to lack of space.
The shelter crisis is fueled by the absence of legislation protecting animals; by a societal issue in which broken communities view surrendering pets as acceptable; and by a capacity constraint, where the number of dogs entering shelters exceeds the number exiting. It is untenable to safely house the number of dogs entering the shelter system on an ongoing basis. Managing the dog population through euthanasia is neither ethical nor acceptable.
Animal shelters were intended to serve as sanctuaries for homeless and abandoned pets. Overcrowding and limited resources force these shelters to euthanize a large number of animals. Shelters are a horrific environment for dogs—loud, disorienting, isolating, and unnerving, with the unfathomable scent of the euthanasia room nearby. Most dogs experience extreme stress in this environment, which can cause them to deteriorate. The fear they feel often leads them to shut down, making them less adoptable and sometimes resulting in a “rescue-only” designation by the shelter. Labeling a dog “rescue-only” significantly reduces their chances of safely exiting the shelter. This is one example of how the shelter system itself works against saving the very dogs it was meant to protect.
CALIFORNIA SHELTERS
Behind every shelter dog is a human whose deplorable actions resulted in them being there. Dogs are surrendered to shelters because of human failure, not because they deserve to be there. This is not limited to a state or city. This is a nationwide crisis—and it’s coming at an unbearable cost. This site focuses on the crisis in California, which is leading the nation in the tragic euthanasia of healthy, adoptable dogs.
The shelter crisis we are facing is man-made and completely preventable
This lovebug is 8 years old. She is a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer mix who weighs 59 pounds. She’s a mellow girl but does have her spunky side. She loves her people—she remembers all of her former fosters and gets incredibly excited when they visit her in boarding or at adoption fairs. Belly rubs are her favorite, and she’s quick to roll onto her back for them.
Arya needs to be the only pet in the house. As long as she has these consistent boundaries, she flourishes. She’s great on a leash and non-reactive to other dogs. She’s crate and house trained, has no separation anxiety, and she warms up quickly to new people.
The rescue provides all food and supplies for fosters. If you’re interested in fostering or potentially adopting Arya, click below to learn more and submit an application.
Regardless of what journey a shelter dog has been on, dogs are resilient. Treat them with kindness and understanding. Be patient and help them build trust and love again. Dogs are pure magic, and their unconditional love is one of a kind. They are the most selfless beings on earth, and they deserve to live every day feeling loved and cared for.
