Right now, animal shelters across North Carolina are in crisis. Shelters from Raleigh to Charlotte and beyond are over capacity, turning away animals or struggling to care for the ones they already have. Many of these animals are being surrendered by families who love them—but can no longer afford to keep them due to rising costs of housing, food, and veterinary care.

This isn’t just a shelter issue—it’s a community crisis. Overcrowded shelters mean more animals are at risk of euthanasia. Staff and volunteers are exhausted. And families who are forced to give up their pets are left heartbroken, knowing there’s nowhere safe for them to go.

We need emergency state and local funding now to help these shelters respond to the surge. This funding would allow shelters to expand temporary housing, offer vet care, and provide support to pet owners in crisis—keeping more animals in homes and out of already full kennels.

North Carolina has a proud tradition of caring for animals and supporting its communities. But without swift action, shelters will continue to face impossible choices, and animals will pay the price.

By signing this petition, you're calling on North Carolina’s state legislators, county leaders, and local governments to immediately allocate emergency funding to animal shelters and community pet support programs. This funding could be the difference between life and death for countless animals—and stability or heartbreak for struggling families.

No one should have to choose between feeding their kids or their dog. Let’s make sure our shelters are safe havens, not last resorts.

Please sign and share to support urgent action for our state’s shelters, families, and animals.