Across Kansas, animal shelters are overwhelmed. Rising costs of living, driven by inflation, are forcing more and more families to surrender their pets—not because they want to, but because they feel they have no choice. 

Shelters throughout the state are operating at or beyond capacity. Volunteers are stretched thin, staff are burned out, and animals are being turned away—or worse, euthanized—not due to neglect, but because there simply isn’t space or funding to keep up with the growing crisis.

What’s happening isn’t just an animal welfare issue—it’s a community emergency. Inflation has driven up the cost of pet food, vet care, housing, and everything in between. Many Kansas families are experiencing job instability, housing insecurity, or food insecurity—and in these heartbreaking situations, beloved pets are often the first to be sacrificed.

We’re calling on the Kansas state government to release emergency funding to help local shelters stay afloat, expand foster and adoption programs, and create relief grants for families who are trying to keep their pets. Even modest support can make the difference between a family keeping their pet—or having to surrender it.

We also urge city and county officials to support mobile clinics and community outreach programs that provide basic veterinary care and food assistance. These programs help prevent surrenders before they happen and save taxpayer dollars in the long run.

This isn't just about pets—it's about people. It’s about keeping families whole and compassionate communities strong.

Sign this petition to urge Kansas leaders to take immediate action before more animals are lost and more families are broken apart. Emergency funding now will prevent long-term suffering—for both animals and people.

Let’s show Kansas that compassion isn’t optional. It’s essential.