Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues

by Cara Sue Achterberg, Nancy Slattery

Our animal shelters are overwhelmed—and the suffering of dogs is undeniable. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In Who Will Let the Dogs Out, Cara Achterberg offers an urgent call to action and a blueprint for transforming shelters into true community resources that save both animals and the people who care for them.

Through over 150 visits to shelters across the United States and conversations with hundreds of dedicated professionals—animal control officers, shelter and rescue directors, advocates, veterinarians, and volunteers—Achterberg sheds light on the crisis facing shelters today. But more than just exposing the challenges, she offers real, actionable solutions.

This book is not just for shelter staff and advocates—it’s for anyone who believes in the power of change. Who Will Let the Dogs Out is a primer for those new to the cause, an invitation to get involved, and a source of inspiration for those already working tirelessly to save lives. With stories of successful shelters, innovative strategies, and the key ingredients for success—strong leadership, veterinary access, and community engagement—it’s a celebration of what’s working and a call to scale those solutions nationwide.

Achterberg’s passionate belief in the possibility of change is contagious, and her unwavering commitment to the cause makes this a must-read for anyone who wants to make a real difference. Together, we can stop the suffering and help the dogs—and the people—who need us most.

About Who Will Let the Dogs Out
In 2019, Cara Achterberg and Nancy Slattery co-founded the nonprofit organization Who Will Let the Dogs Out, which works to raise awareness and resources for shelter dogs and the unsung heroes who fight for them. They continue to travel nationwide, delivering critical supplies and offering support, solutions and hope to shelters and rescues everywhere.

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Who Will Let the Dogs Out goes beyond just raising awareness—it presents practical, achievable ways that every community can transform its shelter system to save lives. Whether you're a seasoned rescuer or a compassionate animal lover, this book will inspire you to be part of the solution. -C.J. English, author of the Amazon #1 best-seller in Animal Rights, Rescue Matters, and president of Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue.

Who Will Let the Dogs Out is the perfect balance of heartbreaking and hopeful, underscored by the knowledge that things can get better for dogs in need if we pitch in and work together. Achterberg's well-researched book doesn't flinch from the harsh realities of the shelter world, but counters the darkness with a road map that can bring about positive change for the animals (and people!) trapped in the shelter system. A must-read for anyone who loves dogs and wants to make a difference. -Victoria Schade, author of Who Rescued Who

This is a must-read for dog lovers! Though it tackles tough issues, the book is decidedly optimistic throughout. It presents our current sheltering challenges as opportunities, offering practical and visionary solutions that will change—and in many cases save—the lives of dogs. – Lisa Rimmert, author of My Forever Friendship with an Aging Dog

A powerful guide that empowers readers to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their communities. With practical solutions, inspiring success stories, and expert advice, this book is essential for anyone passionate about animal welfare.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

Cara Achterberg writes smart women's fiction that book clubs love. She also writes memoirs about her adventures in dog rescue.

Cara is the co-founder of Who Will Let the Dogs Out, a non-profit that raises awareness and resources for homeless dogs and the heroes who fight for them. Learn more at WhoWillLetTheDogsOut.org.

Information on all her books, blogs, and upcoming appearances can be found at CaraWrites.com.

When not writing or weeding (which can sometimes be one and the same), Cara enjoys hiking, reading, visiting Virginia wineries, and growing pretty much anything, including her circle of friends.

You can keep up with Cara on Facebook (Cara Sue Achterberg, writer), Instagram (@carasueachterberg), or TikTok (@CaraSueAchterberg) and of course, at CaraWrites.com.

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book that I think all dog lovers should read. It covers the reality of what many southern shelters go through, which is something most people never get to see. It also offers tips for what people can do to help dogs in need and prevent many wonderful dogs from being put down. It's a very serious and sad topic, but as someone who's involved in animal rescue already, I believe the information in this book is great for everyone to be aware of.

[Auden Ceithaml · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beyond educational and entertaining. I couldn’t recommend it enough. I am at a loss for words with how well thought out all of Cara’s ideas and stories are laid out in this book. I will be lending this book out to anyone who wants to learn more about animal advocacy.

[Brittany Denter · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone in animal welfare, this is an important read! Even if you don't think some of the solutions can be applied to your shelter, there are so many other ideas to pull from. It really gets your wheels turning and excited to test out new ways to improve your shelter or rescue.

[Tiffany Denter Vanover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sheds light on what is happening in southern animal shelters and pounds. The book provides hope to those that tirelessly wake up and dedicate their time, blood, sweat, tears and love to the homeless animals across the south so they have a chance at a better life.
Thank you Cara for dedicating all you do to help animals in need!

[Julie Busa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin with all the accolades I have for this book. While this book does focus on the issues that are most prevalent in the southern states, this is quite honestly a blueprint that should be followed by every single shelter, rescue, and animal control facility in the country. I truly believe if every organization who works with animals reads this book, they will quickly begin to solve the problems that are seen in many southern shelters and animal control facilities. I appreciate that the author does not push transport to other states as the answer. This practice has been happening for many, many years and for a time it worked quite well. However, it is just a Band-Aid. and it is not sustainable. And it is causing lots of problems now in the northern states. The shelters and rescues are filling up with dogs from the south and local dogs have nowhere to go. This is a topic for another day, but the solutions and suggestions in this book are brilliant. Some are simple, and many are very easy to implement. I will go so far as to say most of the suggestions in this book are very easy to implement and they do not cost a lot of money. This book should be required reading in all shelters rescues and animal control facilities. I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Cindy Ojczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe in the power of human ingenuity to solve seemingly insurmountable problems and felt very connected to the author. Cara Achterberg has stepped into a world few people choose and fewer people turn towards. By visiting over a hundred animal shelters in some of our nation's poorest communities, the author was crafted a story of hope. She elevates people doing extraordinary things to reduce suffering while working under immense pressures. She enhances stories within communities to raise awareness of need. She highlights true solutions that have brought success. Well done!

[Nancy Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Cara for writing this book. You've done a fantastic job presenting the painful truth about the unhoused dog population in this country. It's information that people don't talk about nearly enough. Please keep up the really good work.
Dr. Nancy Kay
Small Animal Internal Medicine

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! A true five star book. Must read for anyone interested in learning about shelters.