No Kill Animal Shelters Gaining Support

Through the efforts of organizations and committedalways more dogs than adopted homes. A casual
individuals, support is growing for the establishmentdrive through the county often results in many dogs
of no kill animals shelters. An alternative to theon the loose, abandoned or otherwise without
traditional dog pound or animal shelter, no-kill animalhomes. Abandoned and lost dogs on the loose only
shelters advocate adoption over euthanasia.compound the problem, assuming that most of these
Every year, thousands of animals find themselves inwandering souls have not been spayed or neutered.
the custody of local animal pounds. The primaryThe situation is worse for cats, since the only local,
function of these facilities has been to collectno-kill cat shelter closed due to lack of funding. Cats
unwanted animals, hold them for a prescribed amountthat otherwise might have been sheltered and cared
to time, and then euthanize the animal. Often, thefor until adoption now roam the countryside doing
method of euthanasia is less than humane.what cats in the wild do best – make more cats.
In defense of some local shelters staff membersThe No-Kill Philosophy
work long and hard to find unwanted animals anOne way to think of no-kill animal shelters is to think
adopted home. It is common for local shelters toof sanctuary for lost and abandoned souls. Animals
work with the Human Society or other animalwho might otherwise find themselves the victims of
advocacy groups to reduce the numbers ofthe elements, lack of food or highway traffic are
unwanted animals. These efforts include low-cost orgiven a place to stay. As the term implies, no-kill
free-of-cost spay and neuter clinics. In many cases,means exactly that. Animal guests are not put to
local governments support these efforts withdeath after a defined period of time. Those animals in
additional funding and staffing.need of medical attention received it. Many shelters
Sadly, even the most gallant efforts are not enoughwill accept animals without question or judgment.
to stop the euthanasia of thousands of animals everyThe idea behind most no-kill animal shelters is to keep
year. The truth is that most local shelters lackand care for lost or abandoned animals until the
sufficient funding to hold animals for a prolongedowner arrives or the animal can be given a new
period of time. Shelter cost is minimal but the cost ofadopted home. There are obvious challenges to this
food, supplies and veterinary care can quickly outstriptype of operation. Space and funding are the biggest
meager shelter budgets.hurdles and it takes a dedicated fundraising effort to
My own local county-run shelter has placed asupport these unique shelters. As the numbers of
tremendous effort on educating the public about theanimal guests grows, space can be a limitation, even
plight of unwanted dogs. Much of their effort hasif adequate funding can be generated.
been toward finding suitable adopted homes for theLike many non-profit organizations, no-kill animal
dogs in their care, often holding dogs longer than theshelters rely on the efforts of dedicated volunteers.
minimum time allowed by law. In contrast to pastCommunity members, veterinarians and other animal
practices, the change in focus has born fruit with alovers are a vital part of these animal shelters.
sharp increase in the numbers of adoptions.Corporate sponsorship is often received in the form
Perspective owners must pay a fee that helps toof food and medicines.
defray some of the operational cost, includingIn virtually every state, there is a no-kill shelter
veterinary care.available. While local shelters will care for animals until
Still, the shelter is forced to kill many more dogs thanthe day comes for euthanasia, no-kill animal shelters
are adopted. The stark reality is that there areare a wonderful alternative.