One step closer to no-kill for Utah pets

When Bella first arrived at a Utah shelter, the world must have felt overwhelming. The beautiful fluffy cat with striking blue eyes and magnificent whiskers had been thrust into a brand-new environment filled with unfamiliar sounds, smells, and people. She did what many frightened cats do: She hid, hissed, and seemed to hope the world would leave her alone.

But Bella’s story didn’t end there, and her journey reflects a brighter future for pets across Utah.

Utah Senate Bill 201, which passed the Senate and House and was recently signed by the governor, encourages shelters and rescue groups to work even more closely together, especially when a pet like Bella simply needs a different environment or a little extra time to thrive.

It ensures that reasonable alternatives are explored to reduce the number of dogs and cats killed in shelters — a practical, compassionate approach that supports not only the animals but also the dedicated shelter teams already working tirelessly across the state. One of those reasonable alternatives is giving other animal shelters and rescue groups the opportunity to take in a pet who otherwise might be killed.

The law is (finally) catching up to our pets

“Best Friends has long known that it takes community support to save every healthy and treatable pet,” Best Friends CEO Julie Castle says. “By having clear policies and protocols to help pets get out of Utah’s shelters and into loving homes where they belong, we can ensure every dog and cat has an equal shot at a second chance.”

As Best Friends’ home state, Utah has long been a leader in lifesaving progress. This new law brings the state even closer to achieving no-kill. It’s a win for shelters and rescue groups, a win for communities, and most importantly a win for the animals like Bella who depend on all of us.

When Amy Kohlbecker, Best Friends executive director in Salt Lake City, met Bella on a visit to the shelter, she saw past the fear. She recognized a cat who simply needed a quieter space and a little more time. “So many cats just need a different environment to show who they really are,” Amy says. “Bella wasn’t aggressive; she was scared. And scared cats deserve the chance to feel safe.”

Amy collaborated with the shelter team to bring Bella to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Salt Lake City and then into the home of an experienced foster caregiver. Best Friends supports shelters in reaching and maintaining no-kill by taking in pets who may need extra time or care before going to homes.

In her foster home, everything changed. Her foster family created a cozy setup with safe hiding spots and gentle routines. Slowly, Bella began to trust. Over the next two months, the once‑terrified cat blossomed into a loving companion who now eagerly seeks belly rubs and offers affectionate kisses. Her foster family fell in love and adopted her, giving Bella the home she always deserved.

Proclamations push no-kill progress for pets

Bella’s transformation is heartwarming on its own. But it also represents something bigger: the lifesaving potential behind Utah’s strengthened commitment to ensuring that every dog and cat has a chance to have their happily-ever-after.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.