No-Kill Stories

Gray and white cat with a crown of red flowers over her head

2026 is the new 2016 ... but not for animals

A lot can change in 10 years — not just trends but lives. For animals in this coun...
Lifesaving trends are built to last
Julie Castle Blog
French bulldog on a leash sitting down

2025 wasn’t the finish line but the turning point for pets

The astounding progress made because of one bold goal
Our commitment to saving lives has never been stronger
Julie Castle Blog
Person petting a black and white dog who has his eyes closed and mouth open in a smile

2025 moments that carried an entire movement forward

Reflecting on the lifesaving gains that shaped this banner year As the year com...
This movement continues to rise
Julie Castle Blog
Best Friends CEO Julie Castle with her dog Shadow in front of a large window

Welcoming winter: A tale of frosty faces

A reflection on senior pets, the seasons of our lives, and the quiet magic of lovi...
When you love a senior pet, you see the world differently
Julie Castle Blog
Person at the cat help desk on the phone with people and a carrier containing kittens

Help desk supports cats and people who care for them

A clever collaboration between Dallas Animal Services, SPCA of Texas, and Best Fri...
A partnership with purr-pose
Feature
Gray tabby kitten playing in some autumn leaves

Giving Tuesday, but make it a way of life

Magical moments to be replicated every day of the year. Well, it’s Wednesday. B...
Giving animals in shelters the chances they deserve
Julie Castle Blog
Ben the black and white dog lying beside a bowl with his name on it

Big wins for big dogs at an Arizona shelter

Ben went from shy to confident thanks to a fun new training program that helps gen...
Efforts making a lifesaving difference
Feature
Silhouette of Best Friends CEO Julie Castle squatting down to pet a cat with Angel Canyon in the background through a window

The quiet work of gratitude

A reflection on the people, the devotion, and the quiet moments that carried me th...
Pause to reflect on all that is good in our orbit
Julie Castle Blog
Trevor the groomer holding a small white dog

Proving what’s possible for pets at a Maryland shelter

In Prince George’s County, a new approach is making the animal shelter a more hope...
Little things that change everything
Feature
Orange tabby cat on a small table reaching his paw forward

Leaders across America stand with shelters to save pets’ lives

22 states have proclaimed their support for no-kill. This past year marked a si...
Proof that people from every corner of the country can agree on something this important
Julie Castle Blog
Happy black and white dog whose tongue is out on the lap of an animal control officer

The unsung heroes who keep animal shelters running

Recognizing the people powering lifesaving this National Animal Shelter Appreciati...
Thanks to the staff and volunteers caring for animals in shelters
Julie Castle Blog
Rich Avanzino and Julie Castle in front of a Best Friends Benefit to Save Them All backdrop

The power of proof: Turning ‘impossible’ into millions of lives saved

From a radical question to a nationwide movement, compassion and conviction have r...
Challenging the status quo
Julie Castle Blog
Person wearing an orange Best Friends volunteer T-shirt holding a cat wearing a bow tie over her shoulder

Moving no-kill forward: A Houston highlight

The ethos and the philosophy of no-kill is quite simple: When we focus on one anim...
Working hard to build up community-led change
Julie Castle Blog
Person sitting on the ground hugging a dog at Miami-Dade Animal Services

Best Friends and Miami-Dade team up to tackle shelter crowding

Best Friends’ staff members are on the ground helping Miami-Dade Animal Services s...
Progress possible due to collaboration
Julie Castle Blog
Smiling leashed dog in front of a person

The debate about no-kill animal sheltering

One advocate’s story from animal-loving kid to shelter director
Partnership, not punishment
Best Friends Magazine