August is often called the “dog days of summer;” a time for relaxing in the heat. But for many animal shelters in Southern California, August is the most critical time of year. Summer is kitten season, and many shelters are dealing with an influx of new animals while also trying to find homes for the ones already waiting. That’s why we’re focusing on our most urgent task: getting dogs and cats out of high-kill shelters and into loving homes.
At our rescue, we travel to some of the most overburdened shelters in the region, which are places with the highest euthanasia rates, to give dogs and cats a second chance. We bring them to our sanctuary in Agoura Hills, where they get the care they need and the chance to find their forever family.
Key Animal Welfare Statistics from 2024
- Nearly 1 million shelter animals euthanized. Last year, U.S. shelters euthanized about 850,000 dogs and cats, roughly 2.5 animals for every 1,000 people. By comparison, pets in the U.S. face a far higher risk of euthanasia than those in many other developed countries. Source
- California faces the toughest odds. With euthanasia rates around 17% – double the national average – California continues to lead the nation in shelter deaths. This means thousands of dogs and cats here never get the second chance they deserve. Source
- The hidden cat population. Euthanasia statistics don’t capture the overwhelming number of cats living outside shelters. Stray, feral, and community cats make up nearly half of the country’s total cat population, showing that overpopulation is one of the greatest challenges in animal welfare. Source
These numbers tell a story of a continuing crisis, especially for dogs. This is why our work is so crucial, and why we need your help now more than ever.
By adopting, fostering, or donating, you can help us continue our mission. You can be the reason a deserving animal gets to live a long, happy life instead of becoming another statistic. As Alison Eastwood, the founder of the Eastwood Ranch Foundation, once said, “My main message to folks who love animals is that you can do something every day to help them.”
Help us make the “dog days of summer” truly about dogs, giving them the love and safety they deserve.
Things You Can Do To Help Eastwood Ranch Foundation:
- Join us at our Annual Fundraiser September 20 – Wags & Wishes -Every ticket helps us save more animals and provide necessary shelter, food, medicine and love until we find forever homes for every single rescue. Details here.
- Join us for an evening of incredible music August 31 – See Chevy Metal at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills! Proceeds from this special event are being donated directly to the Eastwood Ranch Foundation to support our rescue efforts. Details Here.
- Consider Adopting a Pet – Come visit our available rescues in Agoura Hills in person at our Rescue & Adoption Center. Adoptable Pets Here.
- Consider a Short Term Foster – If you are not sure if you can handle a new companion in your daily routine, but would like to try, consider fostering. Fostering encourages finding a forever match between a rescue and a new pet owner. Adoptable Pets Here.
- Consider Fostering a Rescue – By fostering, you directly enable us to rescue another animal in need. You provide a safe, temporary home for a deserving cat or dog, allowing them to decompress and thrive while we work to find them their perfect match. Details Here.
- More ways to consider supporting Eastwood Ranch Foundation – Consider a legacy gifts in honor of your loved ones in the form of a garden paver or memorial bronze plaque, or shopping our Amazon Wish List for supplies. Details here.
Thank you for your continued support! As we navigate the “Dog Days of Summer,” we hope this article has shed light on the urgent need to help our friends in high-kill shelters. You’ve already made a difference just by reading this, but there are so many ways you can continue to help. What will you do? Will you adopt, foster, or donate?
Double your impact today! A generous donor will match every dollar you give, up to $500,000. Join our “Double The Love, Double The Impact” campaign and make your contribution go twice as far.