Animal Welfare

The Problem:

Each year, an estimated 6.3 million companion animals arrive at animal shelters in the United States, with approximately 3.1 million being dogs and 3.2 million being cats. Regrettably, about 920,000 shelter animals, including 390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats, are euthanized annually. On a positive note, approximately 4.1 million shelter animals, including 2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats, are adopted each year. These statistics reflect the ongoing efforts to decrease euthanasia rates and increase adoption rates, underscoring the significance of responsible pet ownership and the necessity for sustained support for animal shelters and rescue organizations. (ASPCA)

The Solution:

VFF is proud to partner with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue (LDAR). Founded in May 2009, LDAR is an all-breed animal rescue that saves homeless and abandoned animals from certain euthanasia. Volunteer-powered, Lucky Dog rescues and
rehomes approximately 2,500 at risk dogs and cats annually. Since the onset of COVID, humans have
needed animals in their lives more than ever, and, as a result, Lucky Dog’s lifesaving has grown
exponentially. Lucky Dog also serves as a critical resource for pet owners to learn about pet ownership and
find companionship.

• Since 2009, Lucky Dog has saved more than 24,000 at risk dogs and cats.
  More than 2,000 volunteers support the Lucky Dog mission and operations.
• Lucky Dog is a foster home-based animal rescue with no shelter facility of its own.
• Lucky Dog is a volunteer-powered organization, with both remote and in person
  volunteer opportunities. We believe there is a volunteer role for everyone.
• Lucky Dog is dependent on the funding support of our donors, partners, and
  sponsors. Lucky Dog does not receive any state or federal funding and 100% of
  donor dated funds go directly to the rescue and rehoming of our dogs and cats.
• Lucky Dog rescues at risk dogs and cats from high-kill shelters in Virginia, North
  Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia,
  Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Media Coverage:

Lucky Dog’s Puerto Rico Charter Saved 62 Lives & Brought Critical Supplies to Animals in Need | Lucky Dog Animal Rescue

Lucky Dog celebrates new Florence facility (scnow.com)