In both 2022 and 2024, we were honored to present at the Texas Animal Control Association Annual Conference. Our 2022 presentation focused on the growing practice of the interstate importation and exportation of pet animals, commonly referred to as “Humane Relocation.” We examined how this well-intentioned initiative has evolved over time – at times diverging into more problematic territory such as puppy trafficking and retail rescue.

Why does this matter to animal welfare? Our presentation followed a clear path: beginning with the origins of large-scale humane relocation efforts, we explored the prevalence of the practice across the United States and the unintended consequences of transporting animals en masse. From there, we discussed how this trend contributed to the emergence of puppy trafficking and the commercialization of rescue operations – what is now known as retail rescue. This journey ultimately connects a pivotal moment in history to the state of animal rescue operations today.

There are seven segments to this presentation. Links to our YouTube channel are included below.:

Segment One: An introduction to humane relocation – what it is, how it began, and how it grew into a nationwide practice following one of the U.S.’s most devastating natural disasters, Hurricane Katrina.

Segment Two: A data-driven look at the scale of humane relocation in the U.S., identifying the states exporting and importing the largest numbers of dogs. This segment also highlights how relocation efforts can significantly reduce euthanasia rates in source communities.

Segment Three: A closer look at the downsides of mass relocation, including how it fails to address root causes of overpopulation and poses public health concerns through the spread of disease.

Segment Four: An in-depth examination of puppy trafficking – where certain rescue organizations collect large numbers of puppies to resell across state lines. These operations are often profit-driven, and in some cases, involve stolen pets being sold under the guise of rescue.

Segment Five: details the attributes of retail rescues, one of which is that they engage in puppy trafficking as discussed in Segment Four.

Segment Six: provides a Colorado case study on retail rescue.

Segment Seven: Concludes the series with a discussion of what it means to create Socially Conscious Animal Communities and the benefits to animals and people.

We hope this series will spark meaningful conversations and drive thoughtful reforms in animal welfare policy and practice.