Behind the Statistics: What Does the Term "No-Kill" Actually Mean?
We often get asked if we are a “no-kill” shelter. It is very important to us to explain what this common term in the animal welfare industry really means. While it seems pretty straightforward, there is really more to this than you may think.
To be considered no-kill, a shelter or rescue must place at least 90% of their animals. This we call a positive outcome. For example, this means if we take in 100 animals, we must place at least 90 of them into a home, barn setting, or placement with another rescue. The Humane Society of Carroll County (HSCC) qualifies as a no-kill shelter. We placed 97% of our animals in 2021. However, we find the term no-kill a little deceiving. Let’s explain why a little more.
So you may be asking if 90 out of the 100 animals get placed (adopted out or sent to rescue) and this qualifies as no-kill—then where do the other 10 animals go? When an animal arrives at our shelter, we quickly assess what its needs are. Our highly trained staff determine (under the supervision of our vet partners) what medicine or treatment may be needed, and what the animal needs as far as support (does it need a few days to decompress; is it ready for adoption; etc.).
The unfortunate side of animal rescue is that despite every effort we make some animals are just not able to be saved. The Humane Society of Carroll County is an open admission shelter. This means that we are required to take in all domestic animals from Carroll County that are in need. And unfortunately, this includes animals that are suffering and beyond help (hit by a car, severe illness/injury, etc.). We take pride here at HSCC, that we will do what is best for our animals in our care, even if it sometimes means making a difficult decision. If an animal is suffering (beyond vet care) or is behaviorally dangerous (even after allowing time to acclimate in the shelter) it is our duty as animal protectors to humanely euthanize. We view this as an act of compassion. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is to let an animal pass with dignity.
Let’s go back to the term “no-kill.” A shelter qualifies as no-kill as long as 90% of its animals are placed. This means euthanasia may still be occurring in a no-kill shelter, but at a low rate (10% or less) and due to humane reasons.
You can understand now why we find the term no-kill a little deceiving. At the Humane Society of Carroll County, we value transparency because we work hard to save every animal we can. We use the term “low-kill” to describe our shelter. We only euthanize as a last resort; for animals with severe and dangerous behavior that are not safe to be handled (a danger to the public and staff), and for significant illness or injury that is beyond medical care.
Hopefully this has helped clear up the confusion with what the term no-kill actually means. It is a catchy phrase and something all animals lovers wish could be true. Most shelters would love to be out of business with no animals in need of us. But the fact of the matter is, until the animal over-population problem is solved in the United States there is a lot more work to be done in the animal welfare field. Shelters such as us rely on donations and support to continue helping animals. Together we can make a difference.
