The Animal Shelter Crisis in Southern California

Southern California’s animal shelters are overwhelmed. With overcrowding, rising abandonment rates, and limited resources, thousands of animals are at risk daily. Reputable rescue organizations step in to save lives—but they’re stretched thin, often underfunded and underrecognized. This is a crisis we can’t ignore.

In 2023 California shelters took in close to 400,00 animals. These rates are only rising.
Many high-kill shelters are at over 120% capacity on a good day with more animals coming in every day.
Increased euthanasia rates due to lack of space.
Rescues facing burnout and funding shortages. Everyone wants rescues to take on dogs to save them but donations and pledges from people don’t come through.

Why is this happening?

The Vital Role of Reputable Rescues

While city shelters are overwhelmed, reputable rescue organizations are a lifeline for countless animals. They step in where shelters can’t—taking in dogs at risk of euthanasia, providing medical care, behavioral rehabilitation, and working tirelessly to place them in loving, permanent homes.

But despite their life-saving work, most rescues receive little to no government support, rely entirely on donations, and are constantly operating at or beyond capacity. They are fighting a quiet, relentless battle with too few resources and overwhelming need.

That’s why it’s critical to support reputable rescues—those who are truly doing right by the animals. Unfortunately, there are also unregulated groups that exploit the cause, accepting donations without providing real care or follow-through. Please, do your homework before donating. Look for transparency, adoption follow-up, veterinary partnerships, and a proven track record of ethical practices.

Your support can make a real difference—but only when it goes to organizations that are genuinely helping these animals get a second chance.