What is No-Kill?

A No-Kill community is one where no savable animals are killed.  A “No Kill” shelter is one that does not euthanize animals that can be adopted, reserving euthanasia only for animals that are terminally ill or too dangerous to society as a whole. Adoptable animals are animals that are not considered to be too ill to be treated or too aggressive to be adopted out.  No-kill shelters reject euthanasia as a means of population control.

Two decades ago, the concept of a No-Kill community was little more than a dream. Today, it is a reality in many cities and counties nationwide and the numbers continue to grow. The first step is a decision, a commitment to reject kill-oriented ways of doing business.

Following a commitment to No-Kill is the need for accountability. Accountability requires clear definitions, a lifesaving plan, and protocols and procedures oriented toward preserving life. Protocols are important because they ensure accountability from staff. Inflexible protocols can have the opposite effect: stifling innovation, causing lives to be needlessly lost, and allowing shelter employees who fail to save lives to hide behind a paper trail.

Shelters have the ability to save animals who are not irremediably suffering, hopelessly ill, or truly vicious. The two most often cited reasons; pet overpopulation and lack of resources, have not shown to be true barriers to success. No-Kill is cost effective, data conducted has disproved overpopulation, and shelters can do something other than killing for the vast majority of animals.

The No-Kill equation is the only model that has been successful in creating a No-Kill community. As a result, No-Kill will only be achieved when shelters fully and comprehensively implement the programs and services of the No-Kill Equation.

The No-Kill Equation is:

1. A Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) Program for free-living cats

2. High-volume, low-cost spay/neuter

3. Working with rescue groups

4. A foster care program

5. Comprehensive adoption programs

6. Pet retention efforts

7. Medical and Behavioral rehabilitation

8. Public relations/community involvement

9. Working with volunteers

10. Progressive field services and proactive redemptions

11. A compassionate shelter director

No Kill is a humane, sustainable, cost-effective model that works hand in hand with public health and safety, while fulfilling a fiscal responsibility to taxpayers. The success of this approach across the country proves the viability of the No-Kill model.

Unfortunately, there are some animals who are hopelessly ill or injured, irremediably suffering, or in the case of dogs, vicious with a poor prognosis for rehabilitation. These animals are not adoption candidates and sadly, they are often killed unless hospice care and sanctuaries are available.

The decision to end an animal’s life is extremely serious, and should always be treated as such.

Click here for the: No Kill Advocacy Center

Click here for : Lots of info on shelter reform

Click here to visit: No Kill Nation

Click here to read more about Nathan Winograd: Pioneer

Click here for : Rescue 5-0

Click here to read about the: Companion Animal Protection Act