Right now, animal shelters across Texas are facing a heartbreaking crisis. Due to rising housing costs, inflation, and economic hardship, more and more families are being forced to give up the pets they love. The result? Our shelters are beyond capacity, and innocent animals are paying the price. 

Shelters in cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio are overcrowded to the point of collapse. Staff and volunteers are stretched thin, animals are being housed in hallways and makeshift kennels, and in too many cases, healthy, adoptable pets are being euthanized simply because there's nowhere left for them to go.

This isn't about blame—it's about a system that needs help. Families who are losing their homes or struggling to buy groceries shouldn't have to make the impossible choice between keeping the lights on and keeping their pets. And shelters shouldn't be left to manage the fallout without support.

We’re calling on the Texas state legislature, Governor Greg Abbott, and local city governments to immediately release emergency funding to support shelters and animal services. This funding should go toward:

• Expanding shelter capacity and staffing
• Providing temporary pet housing for families in crisis
• Supporting low-cost or free veterinary care and pet food banks
• Increasing access to spay/neuter services to prevent future overcrowding

Texans are proud of our communities—and that includes the animals we love. No one should have to surrender a pet because they’ve fallen on hard times, and no animal should suffer because our shelters are overwhelmed. 

Please add your name if you believe Texas must act urgently to fund animal shelters and help families keep their pets safe and together.