The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates the number of euthanized cats and dogs is 2.7 million annually. This is a truly heartbreaking statistic, as millions of innocent animals are being killed.

Adopting pets is the most effective measure us humans can take to reduce this extreme euthanasia rate.

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters, creating a better world through kindness to animals.

According to Bestfriends.org, the organization makes it its mission to save the lives of animals and provide them with loving homes, working towards a time where there are No More Homeless Pets.

The society was founded in 1984 and is partnered with over 5,500 shelters and rescue organizations. Best Friends Animal Society has a lifesaving center just 25 minutes away from Notre Dame in West LA as well as a national network of partners that implement lifesaving tactics in shelters and rescue groups across the country.

The West LA location specifically has a kitten care center as well as a pet adoption center with both cats and dogs. The staff of Best Friends Animal Society works tirelessly to save the lives of homeless pets.

You may be wondering how you can help. Take action by adopting a pet rather than purchasing one, your decision directly saves lives and helps end the unnecessary killing of pets. In a statement on the Best Friends Animal Society website, Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, stated that “if just 6 percent more people chose to adopt versus purchase their pets, we would end the killing of dogs and cats in our nation’s shelters.” Adopting a pet contributes to the worldwide animal euthanasia epidemic.

When asked about the importance of adopting rather than shopping, Notre Dame Junior, and owner to two adopted dogs, Julia Gallivan said, “People should adopt because there are so many dogs without homes, animals getting euthanized is truly heartbreaking, adopting dogs saves lives.”

The student hopes that more people will support their local shelters and adopt pets as her dogs, Coco and Oreo, are, “truly a part of her family.”

Many are not ready for the commitment of adopting a new pet. There are numerous means of support that can be done to protect the lives of innocent animals and prevent Euthanasia.

Making monetary donations, item donations, adopting, fostering, or simply sharing stories of the Best Friends Animal Society are vital actions you can take today to support shelters and save lives. Every act, big or small, counts toward keeping dogs and cats from being killed.

Fostering an animal is the perfect option for those unsure of the commitment. Animal Fostering is offered at The Best Friends Animal Society and helps shelters greatly by giving pets a temporary home. Best Friends Animal society is informing communities of the needs of their local shelters and how they can help.

Adam Ruszecki is a Notre Dame freshman who has made dog beds and donated them to the Best Friends Animal Society multiple times. He shared that, “the staff is kind and appreciative of all donations, no matter the size.” He urges individuals to “visit their local shelters even if it is just to play with the animals.”

The rate at which pets’ lives are being ended every day is truly horrific. Every pet deserves a home; the many support strategies highlighted in this article prevent the killing of innocent cats and dogs.

The Golden Rule of the Best Friends Animal Society guides us to, “Treat all living things as we ourselves would wish to be treated.” I urge you to follow the vision of the Best Friends Animal Society to assist the progression into a society where euthanasia rates are decreased and there are no more homeless pets.