Animals in Shelters.

Sometimes, I have to remind myself that as badly as I want to help wild animals around the world, there are also thousands of local domesticated animals that are in need of just as much love and care. According to the ASPCA, 6.5 million animals on average enter shelters in the US each year. Sadly, 1.5 million dogs and cats in US kill shelters are also euthanized each year. This is a staggering number and a reminder of how important it is to consider adopting before shopping for a new furry friend.

Animals in our country, like people, deserve the best chance at a healthy and happy life. The ASPCA also shares that around 40% of dog owners and 46% of cat owners learned about their adopted pet through word of mouth; which means that educating others about local animal shelters and the precious companions they offer is extremely important!

Why Priceless Pets Rescue?

Founded in 2007, Priceless Pets is a no-kill animal rescue that takes in animals from surrounding kill shelters. They also rescue animals from hoarding situations and take in cats and dogs from owners who can no longer provide care. Priceless Pets operates from three different locations in Southern California: Chino Hills, Claremont, and Costa Mesa. They also have their own veterinary clinic where animal rescues and even adopted animals from the shelters can receive life-saving services!

On average, around 300 animals are adopted from Priceless Pets each month. Their adoption process is simple, yet ensures all animals enter into responsible, safe, and happy homes. What I find particularly exciting about Priceless Pets is the many ways that volunteers from the nearby community can get involved and help with the animals. There are many opportunities to foster, bottle feed kittens, volunteer at the shelters, or to just show up and take the pups out for a walk!

In fact, each Sunday morning, community members show up to the Chino Hills location and take their many friendly dogs out for a walk in the local hills. (Whether you are looking to adopt – or just want to get some exercise – this is a great way to show an animal and yourself some love!)

The Project.

In an effort to help spread the word about Priceless Pets, I grabbed my camera and headed to the three different locations as well as the vet clinic. My plan was to gather as much footage and information possible so that I might be able to create a WSYC mini doc for their marketing and outreach purposes. Not to mention, it was just a blast to hang out with all of the cats, dogs, and rabbits. (I almost ended up adopting a German Shepherd named Benny, but I knew he would be better suited in a home with a backyard… One day I will have a Benny of my own!)

It was such a joy to see each of the animals and I can’t express how important adoption is. There are so many cats and dogs that need loving homes right now. As amazingly as they are taken care of at Priceless Pets, I know that deep down all of the animals cannot wait to find the love and comfort of their own families. In the meantime, I am so thankful that each of their journeys and stories that have lead them into the care of this amazing no-kill shelter.

Check out the video below to see the final mini doc that I made for Priceless Pets and please share share share about them with your friends and family! You can visit their website to view adoptable dogs and cats and to learn more about upcoming events.

https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics