No Kill Animal Shelters

Each year, millions of dogs and cats are turned over to animal shelters because their owners do not want them any more. An animal shelter houses lost or abandoned pets, mostly dogs and cats.

The shelter can provide a safe environment until the pet is found by its owner or until it is placed in another home or organization. Some animal shelters can look after the animals for the rest of their lives, without looking for someone to take them in their home. Sometimes abused pets requiring special care are placed in such shelters. But unfortunately, most of the animals that cannot be placed in another home are euthanized.

However, there is growing concern in Animal Rights Groups that are afraid that animals are killed too quickly in shelters. Some shelters are so full and there is no other option for them but to put down the animals. North Shore Animal League America has grown into the largest pet adoption agency due to its no-kill policy. The organization not only saves lives of pets in New York and the surrounding areas, but all over the world.

Although usually animal shelters are not accused of cruelty, sometimes you can hear things related to poor treatment. Shelter directors are so keen on having a low euthanasia rate that they hoard too many animals and forget about the quality of their lives. Euthanizing animals that are sick is difficult, but it is the more humane and compassionate option.

It has been estimated that 60% of dogs and 70% of cats that arrive in animal shelters are euthanized every year, due to limited space and resources. No-kill shelters rely on dedicated volunteers. Sponsoring for food and medicines is another resource. Programs relying on adoption and responsible pet ownership have been developed, together with some that emphasize the need of pets to remain with their owners. Measures included creating a pet food bank and animal behavior-training classes. Animals are still euthanized if they are very aggressive, severely injured or suffer from an untreatable medical condition.

Abusive shelters will turn off people who wish to adopt shelter pets or just to support a shelter. It seems that most Americans would prefer to take their next pet from a shelter rather than a pet store. Pet stores are seen as more money driven. This is why people think that it is more likely to buy a pet that has hidden problems. Adopting a pet from a shelter instead of buying one from a pet shop will not only help this particular animal, but also can help funding the rescue work for other animals. Sometimes older pets can be better companions for older people as they need less training so looking for a pet in an animal shelter is a better option.

No-kill animal shelters sustain adoption over euthanasia. Unfortunately, most shelters lack the funds necessary to keep the animals for a long period of time. Even though the cost of food is low, supplies and veterinary care can put a strain on a tight budget. And the truth is that there are always more animals than owners who can adopt them.