Who We Are

The Hansel Foundation was founded with one goal in mind: saving the lives of as many pit bull-type dogs as possible. Due to social stigma, misconceptions, and shelter overpopulation, dogs labeled “pit bulls” (a catchall term that generally refers to American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American bullies, and their mixes) spend up to three times longer in shelters and are euthanized at a staggeringly disproportionate rate. Data from World Animal Foundation says that in 2023, almost 359,000 dogs were euthanized in US shelters. With euthanasia rates and shelter overcrowding rising after the pandemic, that number continues to grow. While it is difficult to get clear numbers because the term “pit bull” itself is inexact, it is possible as many as 40% of those are pit bull-type dogs and mixes, despite pits only making up about 20% of the US dog population. They are the most popular dogs in the US, but also the number one breed that ends up in shelters to begin with.

Founded by a team of animal lovers, The Hansel Foundation works with the amazing rescues and advocacy groups that already exist across the country to empower them to save more pits. We listen to what these groups need to make an even bigger difference, and provide Hansel Help — grants that help them get as many pit bulls out of shelters and into foster and forever homes as possible, or keep pets with their people to begin with. Hansel Help can take the form of pledging support to rescues who pull at-risk dogs, funding medical costs or training, or funding low-cost spay/neuter, pet food banks, and vet visits to prevent families from having to surrender their animals even in difficult circumstances. We believe in addressing the root causes of the shelter crisis in addition to rescuing individual animals, and in supporting not just pitties but the people who love them.

The Hansel Foundation also seeks to raise awareness and education around bully breeds and dismantle the stereotype that pit bulls are inherently aggressive dogs (in fact, one study ranked pit bull-type dogs in the top 20% of breeds with the best temperament, out of 198 breeds tested). We believe that no dog should be denied love, life, and happiness based on their breed. We also believe that through a combination of growing foster and adoption networks, more affordable resources like spay/neuter for families with pets, education, and a reduction in breed-discriminatory policies, we can turn things around for these loving, energetic, strong, loyal, and fun-loving dogs. We’re just here to offer a little Hansel Help.