At Homeward Animal Shelter, cats and dogs (and the occasional small critter) are given every opportunity to find new homes. Whether they are housed at the shelter or in foster homes, or transferred to other rescues, all of our animals are given the second chances they deserve. Some may need more time than others to find homes as they recover from physical illnesses or become socialized with humans, and we are happy to give them all the help they need as they are prepared for adoptive homes.
Pets accepted by HAS are never euthanized due to a lack of space, however, each year we do have a few cats, dogs, and/or critters who develop terminal illnesses or whose aggressive/unpredictable behavior does not make them suitable candidates for adoption. In those rare case, animals are euthanized to end their suffering or for the safety of the public.
2025 Live Release Rate: 96.5%
*Live Release is a term used to describe the placement of an animal in which the animal leaves the shelter’s care alive and well, either through adoption, transfer to another rescue, or returning to their owner’s care. Our live release percentage is determined by taking the total number of animals leaving alive through adoption, owner return, or rescue transfer (called live outcomes), and dividing it by total outcomes (live outcomes + all other outcomes, including euthanasia and deaths in care). This number represents the total percentage of animals that left our care alive in the past year.
