No-Kill 2025 Stories

Person holding a Chihuahua rescued from a puppy mill over her shoulder. The dog is tattooed on his ear and is wearing an identification collar.

The simple way to stop puppy mills

Pet sellers keep finding new ways to churn out unhealthy puppies and kittens, and ...
Lessons learned
Best Friends Magazine
Three people rescuing two dogs in a boat

Hurricane Katrina, 20 years later: What we saw, learned, and how animals fare better today

A solemn remembrance of the catastrophe that changed us all. Twenty years ago t...
Hurricane Katrina was lifechanging for the rescuers and reshaped disaster response within animal welfare itself
Julie Castle Blog
Person cradling a cat in her arms

No-kill is inevitable — the Magnolia State is showing us how

Mississippi communities are writing the blueprint for no-kill. They’re showing us ...
Mississippi is making lifesaving possible despite all odds
Julie Castle Blog
Tan and white dog with upright ears smiling

Texas shelter redefining what it means to help pets

Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is taking creative approaches to help pe...
Shelter raises the no-kill bar in Texas
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Williamson County Animal Shelter plaque in front of dog kennels

The communities rewriting what’s possible for pets in shelters

When we face challenges head on –– and succeed –– we celebrate those wins with pla...
Celebrating lifesaving wins with plaques
Julie Castle Blog
Two people, one holding a cat and one holding a dog

Shelter pet lifesaving is up 19% — but that’s only half the story

We are gaining ground, but we need you in the fight. For many of us, statistics...
By working together, lives are saved
Julie Castle Blog
Ledy VanKavage smiling and interacting with a dog

5 steps to using your power for pets

Expert advice from one animal lover with decades of experience in changing laws to...
Start a campaign in your community
Best Friends Magazine
Black and white dog lying on a floor wearing a pink collar beside a person's foot

Animal shelters’ no-kill state of mind

A look at the progress toward no-kill nationwide — from the states that are alread...
Everyone can do something
Best Friends Magazine
Dog gets some love at the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia

No-kill animal shelters: The new normal in America

From a large shelter in Las Vegas to a smaller one in rural Georgia, U.S. animal s...
Steady progress saves more lives
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A group of human hands wearing Best Friends logo temporary tattoos all together in a circle

Sailing through 2025: The Pelican State on no-kill

Louisiana continues to honor its legacy as the Pelican State by protecting its ani...
Have your representatives made a proclamation yet?
Julie Castle Blog
Mama cat nursing kittens

Small but mighty: How 3 rural shelters save cats

Three Southern, rural shelters are no-kill today because of their programs that sa...
Saving lives together
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A gray kitten waves from its bowl

No-kill shelters are now the norm

There’s a tipping point in all great things. It’s the moment the scales shift thei...
The no-kill movement is real - and working.
Julie Castle Blog
Person wearing a hat sitting on a couch petting a small brown dog

 Lifesaving tales: Pets land new homes in unusual ways

Best Friends supporters share their stories of how their dog and cat family member...
People take matters into their own hands
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Noemi Peguero holding two Chihuahuas and surrounded by purple balloons

Lifesaving tales: Heartwarming dog adoptions

Best Friends supporters reminisce about the special day when they brought home the...
Stories of the day when they adopted their dogs
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Rico, a three-legged dog lying down on a couch

Lifesaving tales: The joy of fostering pets

Best Friends supporters share their stories about fostering pets — and often reali...
Learn more about the fun of fostering
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