If you’ve ever proudly supported a “no-kill” shelter, you’re not alone. The term has become one of the most recognized and emotionally charged labels in animal welfare. But here’s the truth: if you don’t fully understand what “no-kill” means, you may be unintentionally contributing to the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding shelters that are saving thousands of lives every year.

Too often, people imagine shelters as sad, uncaring places where animals are neglected. In reality, shelters save thousands of lives every single year. Without them, countless dogs and cats would be left to fend for themselves on the streets, facing hunger, illness, injury, and danger.