More than 7 million companion animals enter shelters all over the U.S. each year, and sadly, millions of these adoptable animals are killed.  But movements like the “Save them all” and “No Kill” initiatives at Best Friends Animal Society have mobilized individuals, organizations, communities, and animal shelters with a common goal toward bringing those millions down to zero.

While “no kill” can be a contextually dependent term,  Saving 90 provides an inspirational list of communities all over the country where shelters are placing at least 90% of their dogs and cats in forever homes.

The steps toward transitioning to “no kill” shelter are no longer regarded as impossible, lofty dreams.  What happens as a shelter transitions to a NK goal?  A lot.  Shelters may build on rescue partnerships, volunteer efforts, effective adoption programing, and companion animal care training.  Shelters may partner with intervention efforts like Trap-Neuter-Return to respond to feral cat colonies and emphasize fostering and veterinary treatment to address special need situations.  

Best Friends Animal Society has been a trailblazing leader in the No-Kill movement for nearly 30 years.   Local programs are thriving in New York, California, and other states, and Best Friends extends additional shelter support all over the U.S. through the No More Homeless Pets Network.  With community programs, network partnerships, and other initiatives, Best Friends provides resources that go well beyond the Utah sanctuary.

What you can do:

• Adopt.  This innovative and collaborative NK movement depends on people choosing adoption.
• Be a Do-Gooder. Get involved in grassroots work at a local shelter or rescue group.
• Connect.  Raise awareness about what it would take t0 get your community to adopt a no kill framework.  Spread the word about local adoption events, programs, and  other ways to support shelter and rescue movements in your home town.
• Talk.  Tell people about your awesome adopted companion animals to help fight the stigma that still prevents so many people from making animal adoption their first option.