Best Friends Animal Society Launches Nationwide Summits
Communities nationwide will gather to advocate for the end of pet euthanasia in U.S. shelters, aiming for a no-kill future by 2025. Best Friends Animal Society, a prominent national animal welfare organization, has initiated a series of summits designed to ignite community action and promote lifesaving changes for pets across the country.
The events are strategically planned in key cities to energize community involvement towards achieving a significant goal: saving more pets from euthanasia. According to the organization, approximately two-thirds of U.S. shelters have already reached a no-kill status, a transition that they are eager to see expanded throughout the nation.
Best Friends Animal Society's CEO, Julie Castle, emphasized the importance of community participation in these summits, explaining, "Each gathering is intended to unite individuals in our mission to transition pets from shelters to loving homes while preventing pets from ever entering shelters. This pivotal year is a reminder of our shared commitment to these vulnerable animals." The summits are set to unfold throughout 2025, providing a platform for discussions, workshops, and innovative solutions to support at-risk pets.
Planned Summit Locations
Best Friends has carefully selected five locations to host the "Bring No-Kill Home Summits," chosen for their active communities and potential for fostering positive change. These summits will not only share valuable insights but will also inspire grassroots movements aimed at transforming local animal welfare practices.
- Little Rock, Arkansas – Scheduled for February 1, 2025. This summit will focus on local legislations affecting pets, addressing issues such as breed-specific regulations and exploring practical solutions.
- Cherry Hill, New Jersey – Planned for March 1, 2025. Attendees will discuss legislation affecting the cat population in New Jersey and strategies to support new bills that enhance pet welfare.
- Chicago, Illinois – On March 30, 2025, Best Friends CEO Julie Castle will attend this event to motivate the community towards achieving a no-kill status.
- Pomona, California – Set for April 5, 2025. Julie Castle will be present, encouraging locals to advocate for systemic change in both Los Angeles and beyond.
- Provo, Utah – Scheduled for May 10, 2025. This summit will facilitate collaboration among community members, local shelters, and rescue groups to support a no-kill environment in Utah.
Virtual Participation for Everyone
For those not near these physical locations, Best Friends offers an alternative through a virtual summit—ensuring everyone can participate and advocate for animal welfare. This approach recognizes the vital role of individual contributions in fostering systemic change.
Laura Donahue, Senior Director of Advocacy and Network at Best Friends, stated, "Our aim is to induce national change through localized actions, tailored to address the unique needs and opportunities in each host city. We are committed to empowering attendees to initiate transformative changes in their local shelters while showcasing the real impacts achieved by the no-kill movement."
The Movement Towards No-Kill Shelters
Statistics from Best Friends indicate a growing positive trend in pet adoptions, the first significant uplift since 2020. The organizations stress that increasing adoption rates is crucial for transforming shelters into no-kill facilities. Currently, the majority of U.S. shelters are no-kill, with around 1,400 yet to meet this standard, underscoring the need for continued collaboration across communities.
About Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society stands at the forefront of the no-kill challenge, aiming to end the unnecessary killing of dogs and cats in shelters by 2025. Since its inception in 1984, the organization has made remarkable strides in reducing the annual fatality rate among pets—from an estimated 17 million to 415,000 cases last year. Their collaborative spirit, combined with partnerships involving over 5,000 animal welfare organizations and community stakeholders nationwide, fuels their mission to Save Them All®.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the "Bring No-Kill Home Summits"?
The summits aim to unite communities and promote proactive efforts in saving pets from shelters and minimizing intake.
Where will the summits be held?
The summits are scheduled in Little Rock, Cherry Hill, Chicago, Pomona, and Provo.
How can I participate if I can't attend in person?
You can join the virtual summit, which provides resources and support for everyone interested in promoting no-kill initiatives.
What is a no-kill shelter?
A no-kill shelter is defined by a 90% save rate for animals, ensuring that no healthy or treatable pets are euthanized.
How has Best Friends Animal Society changed over the years?
Best Friends has evolved significantly, contributing to substantial decreases in animal deaths at shelters through innovative programs and partnerships.
