RESCUES BOOST ANIMAL OUTCOMES IN MIDLAND AS PARTNERSHIPS EXPAND

(Feb. 6, 2026)

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- Rescue organizations played a major role in improving outcomes for animals in Midland last year, as the city’s animal shelter reported record participation from partner groups.

Midland Animal Services saw a 61.8% increase in rescue-related transfers in 2025 compared with 2024, a jump that helped raise the shelter’s Live Release Rate to 72%, even amid rising intake numbers.

“While our intakes have increased by 14%, our Live Release Rate has not decreased, it’s actually improved by 4% from 2024,” said Alexsey Dobberstine, manager of Midland Animal Services.

Shelter data shows transfers (1,471) surpassed adoptions (1,347) for the first time. Another 663 animals were returned to their owners, reflecting progress in the city’s reunification and rescue efforts.

“Even though more animals came in, that doesn't mean more are being euthanized as some might expect,” Dobberstine said. “Our partnerships are helping us place more pets responsibly.”

Animal Services responded to 6,899 calls in 2025, up 11% from the previous year. Despite the heavier workload, average length of stay declined across all categories, a sign that operational changes are paying off.

By year’s end, the shelter recorded 5,069 total intakes, including 4,134 strays, 734 owner surrenders, and 192 animals seized.

Average length of stay dropped to 12.36 days overall, with shorter times for:

• Dogs: 7.76 days
• Puppies: 10.4 days
• Cats: 16.36 days
• Kittens: 14.94 days

Although 1,250 animals were euthanized in 2025, staff reported that more than half (55%) were due to medical or behavioral concerns, not space limitations.
 Breakdown by reason:

• Medical: 437
• Quality of Life: 100
• Behavior: 146
• Space: 568

Dobberstine said the department will keep working with rescue groups and community partners in 2026 to reduce space-based euthanasia and improve live outcomes.

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Report Card 2025

Adoptions (Dog/Cat Only)

YTD: 1,247

Outcomes (Dog/Cat Only)

Adoption: 1,247

Return to Owner: 663

Transfers: 1,471

Euth: 1,250

Intakes (Dog/Cat Only)

YTD: 5,069

Stray: 4,134

Owner Surrender: 734

Seized: 192

Returns: 9

Transfer In: 0

Transfers

YTD: 1,414

Length of Stay

Total Dec: 12.36 Days

Dog: 7.76 Days

Puppy: 10.4 Days

Cat: 16.36 Days

Kitten: 14.94 Days

Live Release Rate

YTD: 72%

Euthanasia Reasons

Medical: 437

Quality of Life: 100

Behavior: 146

Space: 568

Source: Midland Animal Services