Congress Can Help Homeless Animals — If We Speak Up
Take Action for Your Local Animal Shelters
In a historic move, Congress is considering a bill that could offer relief to animal shelters across the country. The Supporting Our Shelters Act (H.R. 5020) is federal legislation introduced to amend the Animal Welfare Act and create the first dedicated federal grant program for local animal shelters.
The act would provide critical federal funding to help animal shelters and rescues deliver essential services for animals in need, including food, shelter, veterinary care, staffing and more.
The bill was introduced by Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), with bipartisan initial backing. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a federal grant program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Grants last up to three years and are renewable upon submitting proper progress reports.
In 2025, nearly 6 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues across the United States. Many organizations are struggling with increased intakes, longer lengths of stay and slower adoption rates.
Shelters can use the federal grants to cover essential operational needs, including:
- Feeding and housing animals
- Providing veterinary care and recreational activities
- Hiring, training and retaining shelter staff
- Supporting adoption and safety-net services to reduce animal homelessness
Urge your members of Congress to pass this bill. The ASPCA has an easy online form to advocate for your local shelters and urge your lawmakers to cosponsor and pass the Supporting Our Shelters Act.
You can track the official progress and read the full text of the legislation at Congress.gov.
