In California, it is illegal for shelters to kill animals who rescue groups are willing to save. Since passing such a law, the number of animals transferred to rescue groups rather than killed went from 12,526 animals a year before the law went into effect to 99,783 after — a nearly 700% increase, all at no cost to taxpayers.
In fact, it resulted in a potential cost savings of over $3,000,000 statewide for killing and destruction of remains (these savings do not include additional savings relative to cost of care). In addition, partnering with rescue groups potentially brings in millions of dollars in additional adoption revenues.