Best Friends Animal Society and Miami-Dade Animal Services Partner to Save More Lives

Miami Living Team
Sep 5
2 min read

In a move to improve animal welfare and save more lives, Best Friends Animal Society, a national leader in the no-kill movement, has joined forces with Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS) to support and expand lifesaving efforts at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center and other locations.

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

Though MDAS has consistently achieved a save rate above the 90% no-kill benchmark, the shelter continues to grapple with capacity issues, often caring for more than 500 dogs and cats at any given time.

Photo by 毛祥 on Unsplash

"We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and support from Best Friends Animal Society,” said Annette Jose, Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services. “Best Friends is different—they embed staff who work side-by-side with our team to implement meaningful, lasting change.”

Key Components of the Partnership:

Best Friends Animal Society staff embedded on-site at MDAS facilities
Focused improvements on adoption, fostering, and return-to-home rates
Enhanced welfare practices across both Doral and Medley shelter locations
Building a sustainable no-kill model that could serve as a national example

“Despite the overwhelming challenges—from high intake to limited space—MDAS staff remain fiercely committed to saving lives,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “Together, we are building sustainable programs that will serve as a national model of innovation and heart.”

Photo by Kelsey Adams on Unsplash

How the Community Can Help

Residents across Miami-Dade are encouraged to support the mission by adopting, fostering, or helping reunite lost pets with their families.

Adopt a Pet

No adoption fees through September
All pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccines
Adopters receive a $300 coupon book at participating PetSmart locations with proof of adoption

Foster a Pet