Adoption Trends Uncovered: Insights from the 2025 Report

Adoption Trends Uncovered: Insights from the 2025 Report

Author: The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement December 5, 2025 Duration: 56:09

Are shelter adoptions changing — and what does that mean for pets, people, and the future of animal welfare?

In this episode, we dive into the 2025 State of Shelter Adoptions Report, one of the most comprehensive snapshots of what shelters are experiencing right now.


Join host Katherine Shenar of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement alongside industry leaders Ellen Taylor (Humane Society of Charlotte), Chris Ramon (Pasadena Humane), and Meghan Lehman (Hill’s Pet Nutrition) as they unpack the trends shaping today’s shelter landscape.


You’ll hear candid insights and real-world strategies on:

• Why intakes are rising nationwide

• What’s driving longer stays for large dogs

• How financial barriers are impacting adoption outcomes

• The encouraging rise in cat adoptions

• The growing importance of foster programs and post-adoption support


Whether you’re a shelter professional, industry partner, policymaker, or passionate pet advocate, this episode offers a thoughtful, data-driven look at where we are — and where we can go if we work together.


Access the full 2025 State of Shelter Adoptions Report at The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement’s website. https://theaawa.org/hills-2025-shelter-report/


Listening to this episode is one small step toward improving outcomes for pets and the people who love them. Press play and join the conversation.


Ever wonder what really happens behind the doors of an animal shelter or rescue? the Intake pulls up a chair to those conversations, offering a genuine look at the world of animal welfare. Created by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, this podcast moves beyond simple stories to explore the real challenges, heartwarming successes, and complex decisions faced by professionals and volunteers every day. You'll hear from the people on the front lines-from shelter directors and veterinarians to foster families and humane educators-as they discuss practical strategies, compassionate care, and the evolving philosophy of protecting animals. While the subject matter is rooted in animal welfare, the discussions naturally resonate with anyone who shares their home with a pet or is thinking of adding a furry member to their family. It’s a resource that feels like a thoughtful conversation with experts who understand that caring for animals involves the whole community, including kids and adults alike. Tune in for an honest and insightful audio experience that deepens your understanding of the dedicated work that ensures animals find safety, health, and love. Each episode of this podcast connects the dots between daily care and the broader mission of creating a more humane world for all creatures.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 46

the Intake
Podcast Episodes
Should Fostering Be The New Normal For Animal Welfare? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:02
Laura Oliver, founder of Lionel's Legacy Senior Dog Rescue in San Diego, California, guest hosts this episode of The Intake and interviews Kristen Auerbach and Dr. Ellen Jefferson about the role fostering is playing in a…
Are you ready for Human Animal Support Services? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:17
Guest Host Jorge Ortega interviews Kristen Auerbach and Dr. Ellen Jefferson about the Human Animal Support Services movement and how its impacting shelters across the nation. He even asks them about their superpowers.
Are Rural Animal Shelters Ready For COVID-19 Changes? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:42
The first several months of COVID-19 in America led to incredible collaboration and exploration of programmatic and protocol changes. Dr. Josh Fisher sits down with fellow southern shelter leader Cole Wakefield to furthe…
Support Your Team During Change & Uncertainty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:31
Brian August, Chief Operating Officer, and Rhonda Palos, Vice President for Humane Resources, at Oregon Humane Society share how their organization is navigating the sudden changes and employee issues that COVID-19 has b…
Texas Animal Services Director Talks COVID-19 and the Tiger King [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:54
Dr. Josh Fisher, Animal Services Director for Charlotte-Mecklenburgh, North Carolina, joined our EVP Katherine Shenar for a conversation with Jamey Cantrell, Animal Services Director for Plano, Texas. Jamey shares how hi…
Finding Emotional balance during COVID [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:25
Hilary Hager and Lindsay Hamrick of The Humane Society of the United States offer some recommendations for leaders to help support their teams through the uncertainty of COVID-19.
Animal Services: Report From the Field in COVID-19 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:55
Chris Schindler, Vice President for Field Services for the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., shares how his team is social distancing and working with new protocols in the field. With more than 100 calls per da…
Leading change in animal welfare during COVID-19 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:21
Directing one of the highest intake shelters in the nation, Kristen Auerbach is leading her team at Pima County Animal Center in Tucson, Arizona, through COVID-19 with innovation, determination, and an eye on the future…
Animal Advocacy In The Time Of COVID-19 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:56
Elise Traub, Senior Director for Legislation and Advocacy for Best Friends Animal Society, talks about community outreach efforts and helping states like California establish animal care and control personnel as essentia…
Navigate your new role as Teacher, Parent, and Professional [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:50
Stay at home orders and social distancing due to COVID-19 has required parents to morph into teachers in addition to working full time from home. For many parents, there is no respite from role leaving many exhausted, an…