Should we support “kill” shelters?

According to Lifeline Animal Project in Atlanta, Ga, “Operationally, ‘no-kill’ means saving all healthy and treatable animals and reserving euthanasia only for animals who are medically untreatable or behaviorally unsafe with little chance of rehabilitation. The 90% lifesaving rate is an average established by the industry.”

That sounds amazing-it's an ideal achievement for any shelter or rescue! However, this percentage alone doesn't tell the whole story- a key factor being it doesn't include animals that were denied entry to the shelter in the first place (usually for behavioral or medical concerns, limited space, or other barriers to the surrender of family pets). So, it's super important to consider factors beyond just the live release rate to really understand an animal shelters impact. 

In this article, we'll explore the truth behind "no-kill" shelters and learn about the incredible work being done by shelter operators, rescue organizations, and volunteers to save as many animal lives as possible.

What is a “no-kill’ shelter?

“No-kill” shelters, also known as limited admissions shelters, are often privately owned or non-profit organizations. Their policies and guidelines allow them to control the number of animals they take in and the services they provide to maintain “no-kill” status. “No-kill” doesn’t mean no pet is ever euthanized; instead, it is a pledge that is focused on life-saving programs and opposes the use of euthanasia for population control.

In many ways, limited admission shelters have accomplished incredible work. When LifeLine took a “no-kill” commitment in 2013, the lifesaving rates for animals coming into the local shelters were between 39% and 61%. Seven years later, LifeLine increased lifesaving rates above 90% for shelters in two counties. 

While this approach may help achieve high live release rates, it's important to understand that it also affects the overall dynamics of animal welfare in a community.

By solely relying on the live release rate, a "no kill" shelter could have a 95% release rate for 100 animals, while a "kill" shelter could have a 60% live release rate for over 1000 animals received during the same amount of time. In this case, the “kill” shelter would have had a larger impact and saved more lives. 

Consider Lifeline's reasoning for leaving their “no-kill” status behind: 

“LifeLine was once (a “no-kill” shelter), but over a decade ago, we made the decision that it was more important to make Atlanta a no-kill community – where all healthy or treatable animals are saved – rather than maintain no-kill status as an organization by limiting the number and type of animals coming through our doors. We concluded that, for LifeLine, which has always sought to end the shelter euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals, “no-kill” was a hollow designation when the county shelter around the corner was euthanizing 50% or more of the animals coming into its care.” 

The reality of “kill” shelters

Let's start by debunking the stigma surrounding "kill" shelters. “Kill shelters” are often open-admission shelters funded by community tax dollars. They are considered more of a public health requirement and subject to government policies. Many people assume that these shelters are less deserving of support, but the truth is that county shelters often face unique challenges. 

Unlike so-called "no-kill" shelters, municipal shelters – those operated by city or county governments- have to adhere to mandates, like being legally obligated to accept all animals- including animals that are turned away from “no-kill” shelters like owner surrenders or abuse/neglect cases- regardless of health, temperament, or adoptability.

County-sponsored Forsyth Pet Resource Center states, “We do not turn any animal in need away regardless of breed, age, medical condition or temperament. The shelter provides housing, care, and medical treatment to domestic stray, lost, abandoned, sick, injured, and surrendered animals”. 

When "No-kill" shelters refuse an intake, they funnel more animals to shelters that cannot legally turn them away, increasing the volume and weight of euthanasia at open-admission shelters. This means that when adopter, rescue, and foster support resources are slow or at capacity, kennels must be cleared for the never-ending influx of pets into the shelter. 

This creates a complex dynamic in which the burdens are shifted, and the true impact of shelter policies comes into question. It's a heavy topic that's worth considering as we strive to understand and improve the welfare of animals in our communities.

The heartbreaking reality is that animals in county shelters have less time to find a home. In areas without shelter resources, animal control may only be able to hold lost and stray pets for a limited time before they must leave the facility. This puts incredible pressure on operators, who work tirelessly to find homes for these animals while facing tough decisions due to resource limitations.

The role of rescue organizations and fosters

This is where rescue organizations and opening your home to a foster pet play a lifesaving role. Rescues step in to give animals a second chance, often pulling them from county shelters or animal control facilities before they are scheduled for euthanasia. Their efforts are invaluable in providing these animals with the opportunity to find loving homes.

Fosters can work directly with animal shelters or rescue organizations to give these pets just a bit more time to find a forever family. Many organizations will provide financial support and supplies for foster pets- so if affording a new dog isn’t quite in your budget, fostering is a great way to get your doggy feels, save a life, and save your wallet!

 Ultimately, all shelters, regardless of their "kill" or "no-kill" status, need our support. Instead of perpetuating a divisive narrative, remember that the unsung heroes who dedicate their days to animal welfare are working tirelessly behind the scenes to save as many lives as possible. 

With a little effort and compassion, we can all make a difference in the lives of these animals.

So, how can we help?

• Encourage spaying/neutering with pet owners in your community. 

• If you can, open your home to foster a pet from your local shelter.

• Share this article to enlighten others on the undeserved stigma of county shelters.

• Donate, volunteer, or organize a fundraiser!

Ebony R is the founder of Atlanta Dog Mom, a community founded to bring together diverse dog moms to connect, learn, and encourage each other to be the best dog moms we can be. In real life, she enjoys deep-diving of various topics, studying veterinary nursing, and doing queer things in the streets of Atlanta with a small group of friends.