AMERICA’S PET CRISIS

A Plea for Hope: You Can Be Their Lifeline

Big Dog Ranch Rescue is launching a critical National Awareness Campaign to combat the high rates of euthanasia in America’s shelters: AMERICA’S PET CRISIS.

You can be their lifeline. Imagine looking into the eyes of a dog or cat who has known nothing but love from their family, only to be left at a shelter because their owners could no longer afford to care for them. Imagine the confusion, the fear, and the longing for a home that may never come. This is the heartbreaking reality for millions of animals in America’s shelters right this minute.

The time for action is NOW.

Together, we can end abuse, end homelessness, and save innocent lives. But we need you. These animals are counting on you. They have no voice, no choice, and no hope—unless you step in.

You are their only hope.

DOERS

DOLLARS

America’s Pet Crisis has reached a breaking point.

We know there are millions of passionate animal lovers in this country who believe animals don’t deserve to die simply because the shelter is out of space to house them.

We need each and every animal lover to do something - to sign up to become “DOERS”—volunteers who will stand up and take action in their communities and across the nation. As a “Doer,” you’ll join a nationwide network of advocates making real change. We’ll guide you every step of the way, showing you exactly how to make a difference. Click DOER to get started.

And if you can’t volunteer, your DOLLARS can go to work helping shelter pets today. These funds may be used to provide resources to keep families united with their pets, prevent unwanted litters through low cost spay neuter, and give shelter animals a fighting chance by improving infrastructure at underfunded shelters and transporting them across the country from overcrowded shelters to rescues and adopters and Every dollar counts. Every action matters. Click DOLLARS to get started.

Adopt. Volunteer. Donate. Be their lifeline.

Making the decision to adopt a homeless animal today could mean the difference between life and death for that animal. When you open your heart and home to a shelter pet, you’re not just saving one life—you’re freeing up space for another animal in need. If not you, then who?

If you’re not able to adopt, volunteering at your local shelter is a powerful way to make a difference. Whether it’s walking dogs, socializing cats, helping with adoption events, or simply giving these animals the love and attention they so desperately need, your time and effort can save lives..

Sign up to get involved today. Adopt, volunteer, donate—do whatever you can. Because we believe every life matters, and every action counts. If you believe that too, join the mission. Be their hero.

For any questions or inquiries, please contact americaspetcrisis@bdrr.org

America’s Pet Crisis is built on four foundational pillars: education, sterilization, legislation, and collaboration. Currently, we are in Phase 1, which aims to raise awareness about the critical issues of shelter overcrowding and the heartbreaking reality of euthanasia due to the overwhelming number of homeless animals. We are simultaneously working on legislation to reduce cruelty experienced by breeding dogs.

As we move into Phase 2, our focus will shift to addressing the inhumane conditions faced by dogs in large-scale breeding operations, commonly known as puppy mills, as well as the cruel treatment of dogs in medical testing labs. Additionally, we will tackle the lack of accessible and affordable veterinary care, including low-cost spay and neuter services, which has contributed to the cycle of unwanted litters flooding into shelters across the country. By targeting these root causes, we aim to create lasting change and reduce the number of animals suffering and dying in these dire circumstances. But we can’t do it without you. We need an army of animal lovers to get involved to turn the tide. United, we can solve this problem.

Inflation, the rising cost of living, and a lack of affordable, pet-friendly housing have forced families to make impossible decisions. Veterinary care has become unaffordable for many, and without widespread access to low cost spay/neuter services, unwanted litters continue to flood shelters .

The result?

Shelters are forced to euthanize healthy, adoptable animals at unprecedented rates—simply because they are out of space.

The number of adoptable pets being euthanized in shelters has risen by over according to national database Shelter Animals Count. And this is likely just the tip of the iceberg, as many shelters do not report their data.

This is not just a statistic. These are lives—with wet noses and wagging tails—that are being cut short because shelters simply don’t have the space or resources to care for them. Picture this: a shelter with 40 kennels open and 100 animals coming in daily. The math is cruel and unavoidable. For shelter workers, this is a daily heartbreak. Euthanasia is not a choice—it’s a necessity.

40% since 2020

For dogs, the situation is even more dire, with euthanasia rates nearly doubling since 2020. Large dogs, in particular, are staying in shelters longer than ever before and are at the highest risk of euthanasia. They need advocates like you to give them a second chance.

The crisis is most severe in the South, where warm weather and limited access to spay/neuter services have created a perfect storm. Four of the five states with the highest euthanasia rates—Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia—are in this region. California is the fifth state with the second to highest number of euthanasias in the country.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

You can make a difference and be their chance to live and experience love.