Iowa’s animal shelters are in crisis. As inflation and financial pressures continue to squeeze families, more and more Iowans are being forced to make an unthinkable choice: give up their beloved pets.

Shelters across the state are now reporting record levels of overcrowding. Many are at or beyond capacity, scrambling to find space, food, and medical care for an influx of surrendered pets. These are not neglected animals — they are cherished family members whose owners simply can’t afford rising costs of housing, food, and vet bills.

This is not just an animal welfare issue — it’s a community emergency.

Animal shelter staff are burning out, volunteers are overwhelmed, and adoptable pets are being turned away or placed on waitlists. Without immediate intervention, more animals may face euthanasia, and more families will be torn apart by economic desperation.

We call on Iowa’s state leaders and local governments to:

• Establish an Emergency Shelter Support Fund to provide financial aid, food supplies, veterinary support, and crisis housing to overwhelmed shelters and rescues across the state.
• Expand Temporary Pet Retention Programs that help struggling families keep their pets through economic hardship with support like pet food banks, low-cost vet care, and emergency boarding.

When we support shelters, we support families — and we protect the animals that make our communities more compassionate and connected.

No one should have to choose between feeding their kids and keeping their pets. And no animal should be left behind because its family couldn’t afford to keep it.

Sign this petition to urge Iowa leaders to take immediate action. Our shelters — and the people and animals who depend on them — can’t wait any longer.