What To Do With Your Pet If You Can No Longer Afford It
You are not alone. Millions of Americans face this heartbreaking situation every year. There are humane, legal, and compassionate options available to you — no matter where you live. Please read this before making any decision.
We understand that shelters are full and can be hard to reach. According to Shelter Animals Count's 2025 Annual Data Report, approximately 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters in 2025 alone. Beyond that, an estimated 70 million dogs and cats are currently living as strays or feral animals on the streets of America at any given time — that is the total population of homeless animals in this country right now, not a yearly number. We know the system is overwhelmed. That is exactly why we have put together every available option below, so no animal ever has to suffer because their owner had nowhere to turn.
Your Options — No Matter Where You Are
Please Remember
Abandoning an animal is illegal in all 50 states and can result in criminal charges. No matter how desperate the situation, there is always a legal and humane option available. Reaching out for help is never a sign of failure — it is an act of love for your animal.
National Resources
| Organization | What They Offer | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| 2-1-1 Helpline | Free 24/7 hotline connecting you to local animal and human services in every state | Dial 2-1-1 or 211.org |
| ASPCA Shelter Finder | Find your nearest animal shelter or rescue by zip code | aspca.org/find-a-shelter |
| Humane Society of the US | Resources for pet owners in crisis, including rehoming guidance | humanesociety.org |
| RedRover Relief | Financial assistance grants for urgent veterinary care | redrover.org/relief |
| The Pet Fund | Financial assistance for non-basic, non-emergency veterinary care | thepetfund.com |
| Brown Dog Foundation | Financial assistance for families who cannot afford life-saving vet treatment | browndogfoundation.org |
| Pets of the Homeless | Pet food and veterinary care for pets of homeless individuals | petsofthehomeless.org |
| SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance) | Low-cost spay/neuter programs to prevent future overpopulation | snapus.org |
Find Resources in Your State
Select your state below to find the primary animal shelter network, humane society, and emergency pet assistance resources in your area.
