The First NO-KILL Animal Shelter

This prestigious milestone for Delaware has resulted from hard work by all of the state’s shelters and rescues, legislators who advocate for animals, state leadership, and especially the community supporting progressive policies and engaging in important activities like adoption and fostering. Delaware’s private, limited admission shelters have consistently operated at no-kill levels for some time. The challenge has been the contracted service provider operating an open admission shelter with live release rates that pulled down the overall state performance.

• Progressive adoption practices such as implementing open adoptions and holding “mega” adoption events in which most of the state’s shelters participate

• Programs that focus on keeping pets out of shelters and with families that love them, such as low-cost veterinary clinics, free shot clinic days, mobile wellness services, and a pet food pantry