Take Action for NC Animals

Your voice matters. Contact your representatives, sign the petition, and join the movement.

Why Policy Change Matters

Vouchers help one family at a time. Legislation helps millions of animals at once. New Hampshire, Maryland, Delaware, Texas, and Colorado each cut euthanasia rates dramatically through different approaches: dog license fees, pet food industry fees, shelter transparency laws, direct state funding, and layered revenue models. North Carolina's current program generates just $322,000 per year, a fraction of what other states invest. The tools below put pressure on the people who can change that. Learn how other states got it done.

Email Your State Representative

Enter your address and we will find your NC state representative. You can customize the pre-written letter or write your own.

Your Letter

Feel free to customize this letter before sending.

Your Full Name *

Dear [Representative Name],

I am a resident of [Your City], North Carolina, and I am writing to urge you to support expanded spay/neuter funding, shelter accountability, and stronger breeder regulations in our state.

North Carolina euthanizes over 20,000 shelter animals annually, ranking 2nd highest in the nation. Our current state program under G.S. 19A-61 adds just $0.20 per rabies vaccination tag, generating roughly $322,000 per year against $636,000 in requests. That means we are turning away half the families who ask for help. This is also a public health concern: uncontrolled animal populations increase rabies exposure and strain local animal control budgets.

Other states have proven this problem is solvable with the right policies:
- Maryland passed a pet food industry fee in 2013 that has generated $9.8 million for spay/neuter grants with zero taxpayer dollars.
- New Hampshire added $1.75 per dog license to fund spay/neuter assistance. Shelter killings dropped nearly 78% between 1993 and 2000, and the state achieved no-kill status in 2021.
- Texas appropriated $13 million for a statewide spay/neuter program in 2025, framed as both a public health and fiscal responsibility measure. Demand was so high that every grant slot was claimed within 32 days.
- Delaware passed a Companion Animal Protection Act and required all shelters to publish intake and outcome data. It became the first no-kill state in the country in 2018.

I urge you to support legislation that would:
1. Establish a pet food industry fee to create a self-sustaining spay/neuter fund, as Maryland did with its $9.8 million program
2. Increase the G.S. 19A-61 rabies tag surcharge from $0.20 to bring NC in line with other states
3. Appropriate direct state funding for spay/neuter programs, as Texas did with its $13 million investment
4. Require all shelters to publish intake, outcome, and euthanasia data, as Delaware does
5. Strengthen breeder licensing requirements to prevent puppy mills and reduce intake at shelters

Every $1 invested in spay/neuter programs saves $3 in shelter costs. This is not just compassionate policy, it is fiscally responsible, and it protects public health.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City], NC

This will open your email client with the letter pre-filled.

New to this? Read our step-by-step guide on how to contact your NC rep about animal welfare for talking points and tips on personalizing your letter.

Sign the Petition

Add your name to the growing list of North Carolinians demanding expanded spay/neuter funding, direct state investment, and stronger breeder regulations.

0 signatures

Goal: 20,000 signatures

Full Name

Zip Code

County (optional)

By signing, you also opt in to occasional email updates on NC animal welfare. Unsubscribe any time.

Supporters Across North Carolina

See where the movement is growing. Click a county to see local details.

Spread the Word

Share NC Pet Project with your friends and family. The more voices, the louder the message.

Copy Link