Delaware Becomes the First State to Achieve the ‘No-Kill” Status for It’s All Animals Shelters!

The thought of animals suffering is something most of us cannot bear – so we often put those thoughts out of our minds. However, you would probably be shocked to find out that approximately 733,000 cats and dogs were euthanized in animal shelters across America last year, according to Best Friends Animal Society. (1) These animals were not always put down because of illness or disease, but often because the shelters did not have enough resources to accommodate all of the homeless animals. 

It’s really difficult to imagine killing sweet, innocent creatures who cannot stand up for themselves. That’s why it must be our job to advocate for them, and Delaware knows this all too well. They are proud to have become the first no-kill shelter state in the United States and are working to set the standard for the rest of America. 

What Is A No-Kill Shelter? 

No-kill shelters have a hugely positive impact on homeless animals far and wide. Now, this does not mean that no animals are killed – but rather, it means that the shelter maintains a save rate of at least 90% or higher. Of every 10 animals that come through Delaware’s shelters, only one will be sent away to animal heaven. No longer will animals be killed simply because of lack of space, instead only the sickest animals will be euthanized. This is the kindest way we can treat animals. 

Brandywine Valley SPCA is playing a big part in Delaware’s recent no-kill status. “Within Delaware, we intake more than 60% of the animals entering shelters and more than four times the next largest shelter. Our policies have had a significant impact on the state becoming no-kill. That’s more than 14,000 animals with a save rate of 95%” SPCA marketing director Linda Torelli states. (2) They are able to achieve this by holding large adoption events, spay and neuter clinics, low-cost veterinary services, dog behavior training, and other educational programs. They set the bar high and act as a benchmark and inspiration for shelters across America.

What Can I Do To Help? 

Some good ways to help shelter animals may include: donating money or resources to local shelters, volunteering your time, spreading awareness, fostering animals, or even adopting an animal! A good idea could be to phone your nearest animal shelter and ask how they might need your help. 

Looking To Adopt? Here Are Some Benefits! 

There are many benefits to adopting animals, both for you and your new furry companion. Some of these benefits include:

• Helping to keep the homeless animal population down
• You will not be inadvertently supporting puppy mills
• A shelter will help match you to the best animal for your lifestyle and personality
• You can help an animal transform and flourish in a big way
• They are generally up-to-date on all immunizations, and may even be spayed or neutered already
• The bottom line is, by adopting an animal you are helping to save one life. Killing animals for no reason is

We all need to do what we can to make America a no-kill shelter zone. It is what our animals deserve, and together we can make it happen!

Sources:

1. www.bestfriends.org 
2. http://mentalfloss.com/article/595759/delaware-first-no-kill-animal-shelters-state