Right now, animal shelters across Delaware are at a breaking point. Families across the state are being forced to make heartbreaking choices—giving up beloved pets because they simply can’t afford to keep them. Inflation, housing instability, and rising costs of basic care like food and vet visits have pushed many pet owners past the edge. 

As a result, shelters are overflowing with surrendered animals. Staff and volunteers are stretched thin, and many facilities are struggling to provide enough food, space, and medical attention to meet the growing demand. The animals—many of them older pets or bonded companions—are the silent victims of this economic crisis.

This isn’t just an animal welfare issue. It’s a public crisis that touches families, children, and communities all across Delaware. Every surrendered pet is part of a larger story of economic instability, and every shelter reaching capacity is a call for action. 

We are calling on Governor John Carney and the Delaware General Assembly to provide immediate emergency funding for animal shelters across the state. This support would help provide critical resources like food, medical care, and temporary housing support for struggling pet owners, keeping families together wherever possible and preventing more animals from ending up in already overburdened shelters. 

Delaware has been a leader in no-kill shelter policy. But without urgent help, the system cannot sustain the rising wave of surrenders. We can’t let economic hardship break up families and overwhelm the very organizations trying to help.

If you believe animals deserve safe shelter—and families deserve support to keep their pets—sign this petition now. Let’s send a clear message: Delaware must act before it’s too late.