No-Kill Is Becoming the Norm—But 425,000 Reasons Remain to Keep Going

In a country where shelter animals once faced overwhelming odds, a quiet revolution is taking place. According to newly released data from Best Friends Animal Society, 2024 marked another major step forward in the mission to save every healthy and treatable pet in U.S. shelters. For the first time, nearly two-thirds of all shelters in America are considered no-kill—a status defined by a 90% save rate.

That’s not just a statistic. It’s millions of wagging tails and quiet purrs, families completed, and second chances made possible.

Best Friends’ comprehensive 2024 data confirms that America saved four million dogs and cats from euthanasia last year. Compared to 2016, the number of animals killed in shelters has dropped by 59%—from over one million to just 425,000. And while 425,000 is still far too many, the progress is undeniable.

“Our new data is something to celebrate because it proves that America is no longer willing to accept killing pets as a viable means for managing pet populations in shelters,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society.

This shift is thanks to a growing cultural commitment to adoption, better shelter practices, and state-level policies that reflect the will of pet-loving communities. Since 2024, nine states have issued no-kill proclamations, and four states—Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—have already reached the goal.

Even more encouraging: ten additional states are within 1,000 saved lives of achieving no-kill status statewide.

What Can You Do?

Best Friends reminds us that this is a solvable problem. If just 1 in 17 households planning to get a pet this year chose to adopt from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder or pet store, we could end the killing nationwide.

1. Adopt, don’t shop. Your next best friend could be waiting for you at a shelter.
2. Foster. Giving a pet a temporary home frees up shelter space and gives animals a better shot at adoption.
3. Volunteer or donate. Your time or support can help shelters reach no-kill status faster.
4. Share the data. Best Friends’ Lifesaving Dashboard makes it easy to see how your community is doing—and how you can make a difference.

The no-kill movement proves that when we work together—shelters, rescuers, lawmakers, and everyday pet lovers—we can create a future where every dog and cat has a chance at life.

Let’s keep going. Until every one of them is safe.