Story thread · 3 reports / 3 sources

Considering adopting your first shelter pet? Animal advocate offers this advice

nbcdfw.com · 11h · first reportShare

There’s an ongoing animal shelter crisis in the U.S. A total of 5.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues in 2025, according to Shelter Animals Count . While intakes slightly decreased and adoptions slightly increased compared to 2024, the overall shelter population nationwide saw an increase of 147,000 by the end of the year. One of the biggest ways to combat the shelter crisis is through adoption. But, for prospective first-time pet parents, the idea of bringing home a dog or cat can feel overwhelming. “Adoption is obviously a really big decision,” animal advocate Hannah Shaw told NBCUniversal Local. “I’ve adopted cats and dogs from shelters myself. So I know sometimes it can be overwhelming, even to just step foot into a shelter.” Shaw, also known as the “Kitten Lady,” is an award-winning kitten rescuer and humane advocate. Shaw, a New York Times bestselling author, has written several books and she boasts millions of followers across her social media accounts . Her pro