The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is closing out 2025 with a record-breaking year of lifesaving impact. With 2,910 animals already adopted—and one day still remaining—the shelter has surpassed its previous all-time record of 2,491 adoptions in 2024, an increase of 419 animals or 16.8 percent increase in animals adopted.
“This milestone reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, foster families and adopters, as well as the strength of this community,” said Brian Weltge, president and CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “Reaching this point with a day still left in the year is something we are incredibly proud of because so many animals are now in loving, forever homes thanks to all of you.”
This record-setting year is the result of intentional efforts to expand the shelter’s capacity to help more animals in need. Throughout 2025, the Humane Society increased its lifesaving impact by accepting more stray animals and owner surrenders, partnering with more shelters to transfer animals from open-intake facilities, and expanding its foster program to temporarily house animals in homes. Because of these efforts, the Humane Society has also broken a record within their Foster Program, having foster families clock in more than 205,000 hours of foster care with nearly 1,500 animals going through our Foster Program this year.
“Breaking records isn’t about the numbers alone,” Weltge said. “Each number represents an animal finding a home, finding a family, and ultimately finding a second chance. That is what really matters most.”
With one day still remaining in 2025, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton encourages the community to help continue the momentum by adopting, fostering, volunteering, or supporting the shelter’s mission. For more information or to see the animals we have available for adoption, visit www.hsdayton.org/adopt.
