No-Kill Shelters: Not All Animal Shelters use the Same Approach

Humans have kept pets for centuries, and it comes as no surprise this trend continues today. While there is a wide variety of animals people choose to keep as companions, dogs and cats are far and away the most popular choices in the United States. While there is no shortage of ways to procure these animals (specialty breeders, adoption programs, pet stores, etc.), the free market's solution for having too many animals has generated some controversy.

Simply put, there are often more dogs and cats in the United States than there may be willing owners. Cities and states have various control programs to contain feral populations, but when animal shelters and adoption programs have more animals than there are adopters, some organizations make the decision to euthanize, or "put down" animals that people are unwilling or unable to adopt.

While no one denies the costs of housing sick or dangerous animals can be high, one theory takes the stance that animals should never have to be killed. By promoting sterilization programs that keep excess populations down, driving awareness of adoption programs rather than buying from breeders, and taking care to maximize all available space, volunteers, and resources, advocates of a "no kill" policy argue that animals need not be killed, just housed until an adoption can be made.

While there are a number of differing views, a common goal many no-kill shelters (NKS) follow is an adoption rate of at least 90%. As many larger organizations sit much lower on average (The American Humane Society averages about 50% nationwide, per their website), this approach puts more animals in adoptive homes.

NKSs may utilize a non-profit approach, be a guiding principle in city or state-run animal control programs, or even leverage foster homes for animals until permanent adoptions can be made. Sterilization programs are funded through these organizations, as well as a general awareness campaign that while breeders (and less reputable "puppy mills") create excess animals as part of a business model, NKS programs can be used to alleviate an existing issue, without needless death or suffering.

In the coming weeks, our group swill be working to drive awareness on this topic. Stay tuned!