Even though animal euthanasia in the US has been steadily declining over the years, it is still a sad reality that many animals are needlessly euthanized each year. Fortunately, there are alternatives such as no-kill animal shelters—places where animals can get refuge and have a chance to find a new home. Supporting these organizations is worthwhile because they give animals a safe place to stay while also providing them with care and compassion as they await their new home. Let's take a closer look at why no-kill animal shelters are so important and how we can support them.
What is a No-Kill Animal Shelter?
No-kill animal shelters provide refuge for animals that would otherwise suffer unnecessary and cruel euthanizations. These organizations not only accept homeless pets from local communities, but they also work diligently to match those pets with responsible owners who will provide them with love and care for the rest of their lives. A no-kill shelter will house an animal for as long as it takes until a suitable home or other placement option is found—regardless of how long that may take.
No-Kill Shelters in the US
In 2018, there were approximately 3,000 open admission shelters across the US that accepted all animals regardless of age, health, or behavior. Of those 3,000 shelters, more than 750 of them reported euthanizing less than 10% of the animals they took in during the same year. That number has been steadily increasing since 2011 when just over 500 shelters were considered "no kill." In addition to this encouraging trend, approximately 90% of cats brought into open admission facilities in the United States were saved in 2018—a far cry from what it was just 10 years ago when just 74% of cats were saved.
How Can We Help Support No-Kill Animal Shelters?
There are a variety of ways that we can help support no-kill animal shelters! One great way is to volunteer your time at one of these organizations by taking care of the animals or helping out with administrative tasks. You can also donate items such as pet food, blankets, toys, collars, leashes, and more!
Finally, when you shop Petlix products, 5% of every purchase is donated directly to select no-kill facilities registered on the Nokill Network (nokillnetwork.org). Petlix quarterly no-kill donations go towards keeping the shelter running smoothly and providing medical care for the animals. The donated proceeds from just one single Petlix freeze-dried beef liver purchase can feed one sheltered animal for 1-2 days.
No matter what type of donation you're able to make - financial or otherwise - it will go a long way towards helping these precious creatures find their forever homes!
Conclusion
No-kill animal shelters provide an invaluable refuge for homeless pets who would otherwise face possible death in traditional shelters. By supporting these organizations through donations or volunteering our time, Petlix and you can ensure that these animals get the care they deserve and ultimately find their forever homes! So let’s do our part today by contributing whatever resources we have available to help create a better future for homeless pets everywhere!