The Campaign Will Inspire Community Members to Adopt Local from Nearby Shelters in Need
The Greater Houston area continues to see a record number of homeless dogs and cats. Right now on Petfinder, there are currently more than 7,800 pets available for adoption in Houston. In an effort to alleviate the strain on animal shelters, Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025, urges Houstonians to “Adopt Local” from a Houston shelter this September.
Adopt Local is a month-long initiative created to help take the city of Houston to no-kill, a milestone in animal welfare that means saving every dog or cat in a shelter who can be saved. Shelters across the city, and throughout the surrounding area, are currently at or over capacity while adoptions are not keeping pace. To save more lives and make Houston a no-kill city, community members must lend a neighborly hand to fellow locals—not only through adopting, but by fostering, volunteering, donating, and advocating for the city’s four-legged residents.
“We’re thrilled to bring together Houston shelters, rescue groups, other animal welfare organizations and passionate individuals, to gain community support and get as many dogs and cats as possible adopted this September,” said Sophia Proler, Regional Director, South Central, Best Friends Animal Society. “We know that local shelters throughout Texas continue to experience lifesaving setbacks and in the Houston area alone, more than 4,000 animals were killed last year. Saving dogs and cats is the responsibility of everyone in our community. We want Houstonians to open their hearts and homes by choosing adoption to help make our city no-kill.”
Of the more than 55 shelters in the greater Houston area, only 32 are no-kill. Saving the lives of dogs and cats in Houston area shelters is the responsibility of everyone in the community. Animal shelters and their staff can only create and sustain lifesaving programs if they have community support and participation. Working together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively is what makes true no-kill possible.
The Adopt Local initiative runs September 1-30. To learn more, visit bfas.org/adoptlocalhouston.
