This month, Best Friends Animal Society published its 2021 dataset. While there were some setbacks, there is plenty to be optimistic about.

In 2021, the save rate increased from 79% to 83%. According to its blog, “The number of animals who didn’t leave shelters alive ticked up by only 2.3% to 355,000 in 2021, which shows that we are trending toward something resembling normality. The latest dataset also shows intake rising by 8.1%.” Given that many shelters were forced to close to the public or limit access in 2020 due to Covid-19, these small increases are not surprising.

Additionally, three states are rapidly closing in on the 90% no-kill benchmark.

The dataset also reflects a more complete picture than in years past. Best Friends explains that it has data for 80% of the more than 4,000 brick-and-mortar shelters in the country, and an estimated 94% of all sheltered dogs and cats who enter shelters each year.  What’s more, 52% of shelters have reached no-kill status.

There’s still progress to be made towards Best Friends goal of no-kill by 2025. Brent Toellner, Senior Director of Lifesaving Programs, dives into the numbers more on its blog and shares why he’s so hopefuly about the future.

View Best Friends dataset.