Animal shelters across the country are at a breaking point. I see it every day.

A perfect storm has formed — driven by a housing crisis, veterinary shortages, and economic strain — and animals, shelter staff, and communities are paying the price. Behind the scenes, workers are exhausted, dogs are waiting longer than ever for homes, and shelter leadership is stretched beyond its limits. This isn’t a temporary bump. It’s a growing emergency.

The Overflow: Animals Coming In, But Not Enough Going Out

Across the board, shelters are seeing a surge in intake. Families forced to move due to rising rent or eviction are surrendering beloved pets because they can’t find pet-friendly housing. In many communities stray animal numbers are up, and with fewer low-cost vet clinics available, more pet owners are giving up animals they can’t afford to care for.

Cats are still finding homes — especially kittens, thanks to well-organized foster networks and a surge in TNR (trap-neuter-return) awareness. But dogs, particularly big dogs, are staying in shelters longer. Way longer. Potential adopters are shying away from larger breeds due to lifestyle changes, housing restrictions, and fear-based stigma.

The result? Kennels are full. Double full. Some dogs are being housed in pop-up crates, offices, or even converted bathrooms — anywhere there’s space. And still, more come in every day.

The Human Toll: Burnout Behind the Scenes

While animals suffer in silence, the people who care for them are burning out — fast. Shelter workers and volunteers are doing the work of three people, holding back tears on their lunch breaks, and going home with the weight of life-or-death decisions on their shoulders.

Leadership — often underpaid, under-resourced, and criticized from every angle — is stepping down in droves. Resignations are happening at the worst possible time, leaving shelters scrambling for guidance in the middle of a storm.

What Can You Do Right Now?

There’s no single fix, but here’s where we can start:

• Donate to BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Fix the Future® program. Communities need low-cost spay/neuter desperately. For just $38 you can fund a spay or neuter for a pet. Without it, preventable surrenders and suffering will continue. Pay for a spay here: bissellpetfoundation.org/donate-spayneuter
• Adopt, foster, or volunteer — especially for big dogs. These dogs are loving, loyal, and just waiting for a chance. They’re often passed over, but they make amazing companions.
• Support your local shelter staff. A kind word, a donation, a shared social media post — it matters. The people on the front lines need to know they’re not alone.
• Advocate for shelter funding. Animal services are often the last in line for municipal support. That needs to change. Your voice matters.
• Support housing policies that allow pets. Many families would keep their pets if they could find pet-friendly rentals without exorbitant fees.

Let’s work together to make a difference for pets and the staff in our local animal shelters. They need us now more than ever. Will you help?

Until every pet has a home,