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What are No Kill Shelters?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

No kill shelters are animal shelters which pledge only to euthanize non-adoptable and non-treatable animals, meaning that adoptable or medically treatable animals are saved and adopted, no matter how long the adoption process might take. There is a great deal of controversy in the animal rights community over no kill shelters, for a variety of reasons. Many communities including the city of San Francisco and Tompkins County in New York have worked to be no-kill, and mammoth efforts from many members of these communities have made these efforts successful.

The intention behind founding a no kill shelter is excellent. It is estimated that in the United States alone, at least six million cats and dogs are euthanized every year because homes cannot be found for them. A no kill shelter pledges to find homes for all of the animals it accepts, and will not subject animals to euthanasia unless it is absolutely necessary. People can surrender healthy pets to a no kill shelter in confidence that homes will be found for those animals, and supporters of the shelter often feel more comfortable donating funds and energy.

No kill shelters try to find homes for all of their animals to avoid euthanizing them.
No kill shelters try to find homes for all of their animals to avoid euthanizing them.

However, there is a dark side to no kill shelters, beginning with the terms “non-adoptable” and “non-treatable.” In an ideal world, “non-adoptable” animals would be animals with serious behavioral problems, but the term is often extended to animals which are too old, too disabled, or too unattractive to make sought after pets. “Non-treatable” animals are also on a slippery slope, as some no kill shelters routinely euthanize animals which would be treatable, although the veterinary bills might be high. Very few no kill shelters actually fit within the strict definition of organizations like MaxFund, which truly only euthanizes animals with severe, untreatable illnesses.

No kill shelters work with local veterinarians to make sure all animals are healthy and adoptable.
No kill shelters work with local veterinarians to make sure all animals are healthy and adoptable.

In addition, because no kill shelters are unable to make the difficult choice of euthanizing animals to make room, they must turn animals away. In communities which are not working together with their no kill shelters, this often means that a large burden is placed on so called “open admission” shelters, which must take any and all animals brought to them. Critics of no kill shelters sometimes call them “limited admission” shelters, a reference to the fact that animals are often turned away because there is no room.

Some shelters euthanize animals with treatable conditions or injuries because the veterinary bills would be too high.
Some shelters euthanize animals with treatable conditions or injuries because the veterinary bills would be too high.

For a no kill shelter to work, community cooperation is required. The no-kill movement relies on a collective effort between the shelter and the community, starting with responsible pet ownership, spaying and neutering, and the understanding that people must commit to their pets for life. No kill shelters often invest a great deal of energy in community outreach, providing dog training, spay and neuter clinics, low cost vaccines, and adoption services in the community as well as shelter services. Without the support of its community, a no kill shelter will not be able to succeed.

Many humane societies, in addition to most municipal shelters, are open admission shelters. The management teams at these shelters believe that providing shelter to all animals in need is of paramount importance, as is offering a kind and humane death to the millions of unwanted animals euthanized every year. In some cases, these shelters rely on the efforts of local rescue organizations to save adoptable animals surrendered to open admission shelters. This is an example of the cooperative understanding which can exist between open admission and no kill shelters, and many communities choose this as a starting point in the path to going no kill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of a no-kill shelter?

A no-kill shelter is an animal shelter that does not euthanize animals unless they are terminally ill or considered too dangerous for public safety. The benchmark for a shelter to be considered no-kill is typically a 90% live release rate, meaning that at least 90% of animals that enter the shelter are adopted, transferred to rescue groups, or returned to their owners.

How do no-kill shelters differ from traditional animal shelters?

No-kill shelters focus on saving as many lives as possible, avoiding euthanasia for space or length of stay. Traditional shelters may euthanize animals to make room for new arrivals or due to budget constraints. No-kill shelters often rely on a network of foster homes, volunteers, and proactive adoption programs to maintain their no-kill status.

What are the challenges faced by no-kill shelters?

No-kill shelters face challenges such as limited space, funding, and resources. They require a robust support system, including volunteers, foster networks, and community involvement. Additionally, they must manage the health and behavior of animals long-term, which can be resource-intensive. Overcrowding can also become an issue without careful population management.

How are no-kill shelters funded?

No-kill shelters are typically funded through a combination of private donations, fundraising events, grants, and sometimes government support. They may also generate income through adoption fees, though these fees rarely cover the full cost of care. Community support is crucial for sustaining their operations and expanding their capacity to save more animals.

Can no-kill shelters refuse to take animals?

Yes, no-kill shelters can refuse to take animals if they lack the space or resources to provide proper care. They may also refuse animals that do not meet certain criteria, such as temperament or health status. This selective intake helps maintain their no-kill status but can lead to challenges in managing public expectations and animal intake rates.

How can I support my local no-kill shelter?

Supporting a local no-kill shelter can be done through donations, volunteering, fostering animals, and promoting their adoption events. Sharing their mission on social media, participating in fundraising activities, and educating others about responsible pet ownership also contribute to their success. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of shelter animals.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon21620

What is the percentage of people that feel comfortable going to no kill shelters?

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    • No kill shelters try to find homes for all of their animals to avoid euthanizing them.
      By: Steve Mann
      No kill shelters try to find homes for all of their animals to avoid euthanizing them.
    • No kill shelters work with local veterinarians to make sure all animals are healthy and adoptable.
      By: leungchopan
      No kill shelters work with local veterinarians to make sure all animals are healthy and adoptable.
    • Some shelters euthanize animals with treatable conditions or injuries because the veterinary bills would be too high.
      By: hues
      Some shelters euthanize animals with treatable conditions or injuries because the veterinary bills would be too high.