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 that already exist across the country to empower them to save more pits. We listen to what those rescues need to make an even bigger difference, and provide Hansel Help — grants that help organizations get as many pit bulls out of shelters and into foster and forever homes as possible. Hansel Help can take the form of pledging support to rescues who pull at-risk dogs, removing financial barriers from would-be foster homes, providing fosters with supplies, covering the cost of basic training so rescue dogs can put their best paw forward and better adapt to new homes, and funding medical care.

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 rescue funding, better education and resources for adopters and the general public, and reduction in breed-discriminatory education and 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.