How to Find a No-Kill Shelter

If you decide that you must take your animal to a shelter, consider finding a no-kill shelter. At a no-kill shelter, the objective is to locate a suitable home for your animal. Even though your pet may no longer fit your life, you undoubtedly want what is best for it. This means doing a little research and finding a local no-kill shelter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look in your local phone book or in an online phone book for shelters in your area.
2. Call all listed shelters. Ask to speak to the shelter manager; say that you are trying to find a shelter for your pet. Ask if the shelter is a no-kill shelter. Write down the names of shelters that are no-kill.
3. Broaden your search to statewide if you cannot find a local shelter. Go online and find a good resource. See Additional Resource section below.
4. Visit each no-kill shelter without your animal. Inquire about the animals for adoption. Pay close attention to the health of the animals, the cleanliness of the shelter and the knowledge of the staff. Determine if there is a veterinarian on staff.
5. Choose the shelter that is best for your animal. Call the shelter and discuss fees and arrangements for turning over your pet.
6. Bring any toys or accouterments with you when you take your animal to the no kill shelter.

Tips & Warnings

• Shelters usually charge fees for animal turn over, but the fee helps cover the costs of non-profit organizations.