Hi friends, my name is Kayla and my husband and I are on a mission to save as many stray and abandoned dogs in Kern County, California, as we possibly can — Kern County, has become a tragic hotspot for dog dumping. Shelters are overwhelmed, and countless dogs are abandoned in fields, trash bags, and even storm drains. The crisis is real—and it’s escalating. As a dedicated rescuer on the front lines, I’ve witnessed the heartbreak firsthand. From newborn puppies discarded in orchards to adult dogs left to fend for themselves in scorching heat, the stories are gut-wrenching. One puppy, found tied in a plastic bag in East Bakersfield, was suffering from Parvo—a disease that many dumped dogs face due to lack of care and exposure. Since 2021, Kern County Animal Services has seen a steady increase in young dog intakes, with current numbers reaching 250 to 350 per month. This influx has led to shelters operating at 2.5 times their comfortable capacity, resulting in difficult decisions, including euthanasia. In 2024 alone, Kern County Animal Services took in over 10,000 dogs, with shelters operating at more than double their intended capacity. Sadly, over 2,200 dogs were euthanized simply because there wasn’t enough room or resources to help them. The root causes of this crisis are multifaceted. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted regular spay and neuter services, leading to an increase in unwanted litters. Additionally, many pet owners face financial hardships, making veterinary care and spaying or neutering procedures unaffordable. For instance, the average wait time for low-cost spay and neuter clinics is over three months, with costs exceeding $400 per procedure. We work to rescue these animals by pulling them off the streets, fostering and finding them loving forever homes. But the cost of giving even one dog a second chance is high and I am hoping to be able to do more for these animals. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into saving just one dog:
• Emergency vet care (for injuries, illness, or infections): $200 – $800+
• Vaccinations & routine exams: $75 – $150
• Spay/neuter surgery: $100 – $400 (if I can even get an appointment — local clinics are overwhelmed and booked months out)
• Flea/tick prevention & deworming: $40 – $80
• Microchipping & licensing: $25 – $50
• Food & basic supplies (per month): $40 – $100
• Transport & adoption costs (if rehomed out-of-area): $100 – $300
These numbers can quickly add up — especially when I’m caring for multiple dogs at once. Every single dog I rescue deserves a chance at a safe, healthy life, and your support makes that possible.
Your donation will go directly toward:
• Life-saving vet care
• Spay and neuter services
• Food, bedding, and safe shelter
• Transportation to rescues or adoptive homes
• Feeding the strays
Whether it’s $5, $50, or $500 — every bit helps. I truly believe that no dog should have to suffer due to human neglect. ever. Together, we CAN make a difference in Kern County! Let’s save the dogs! 🐕
Follow us on instagram @heartsinrescue to keep up with our rescue stories🫶🏻
