As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible work happening in animal shelters across the country. In a year when so many families have struggled to access veterinary care, pet food, and other essentials, shelters have stepped up in extraordinary ways—removing barriers, meeting needs, and strengthening the bond between pets and the people who love them.

At BISSELL Pet Foundation, we recently conducted a national survey on pet wellness and community resource programs, and the results were both heartwarming and hopeful. Across the nation, shelters—public and private—are working tirelessly to fill widening gaps for pets. Creativity, compassion, and a “whatever it takes” mentality are driving remarkable progress in keeping pets healthy and at home.

What We Learned

One of the most powerful findings from the survey? 70% of shelters surveyed are offering community support that does not require financial qualifications for the families they serve. At a time when veterinary care is out of reach for many, this commitment to barrier-free assistance is helping countless pets stay safely with their families.

Shelters are also finding ways to fund these efforts:

• 46% have built additional funding into their programs for community resources.
• 71% rely on grants to sustain these programs.

But here’s the reality: even as programs expand, staffing hasn’t kept pace. 62% of shelters report having no additional staff dedicated to community programs, meaning these responsibilities fall on teams already stretched thin. Still, shelters continue to rise to the challenge.

How Shelters Are Helping

The services shelters provide reflect their deep commitment to pets and people:

• Food pantries: 73%
• Mass vaccine clinics: 67%
• Holding pets during crises (domestic violence, hospitalization): 46%
• Distribution of pet housing and bedding: 34%
• Free rabies vaccines: 36%
• Transport to veterinary services: 17%

And when it comes to veterinary care, shelters are often the only lifeline for families in need—offering spay/neuter, urgent care, and even euthanasia services when there’s nowhere else to turn.

Looking Ahead

Animal shelters have become an irreplaceable safety net for community pets, and the pressure isn’t likely to ease as we move into 2026. But their resilience, resourcefulness, and compassion continue to inspire us.

At BISSELL Pet Foundation, we’re committed to standing with shelters every step of the way. In 2026, we’ll continue to support lifesaving work through:

• Fix the Future contract veterinary program
• Disaster and crisis response support
• Empty the Shelters adoption events
• A new veterinary wellness program in development
• Mentorship and training programs to strengthen shelter teams

Shelters are the heart of animal welfare in this country. Their work saves lives every single day—and we’re honored to walk beside them, today and always.