Last week, the U.S. Conference of Mayors passed a landmark resolution encouraging mayors across the country to adopt no-kill programs and policies in their communities!

This means local leaders, big or small, are being called on to support proven lifesaving strategies that help more dogs and cats leave shelters alive. Because no-kill is not just a “goal”. It’s a commitment that happens when local leaders, shelters, rescue groups, and residents work together to save lives.

Today, more than 2 out of every 3 shelters in the U.S. are no-kill, and communities across the country continue to prove that saving pets is achievable.

This resolution sends a powerful message that saving shelter pets is a priority worth fighting for.

2026 Adopted Resolutions

Local Governments Support No-Kill Animal Shelters and Community-Wide Strategies to Save Dogs and Cats in U.S. Shelters

Resolution Number: 3

1.  WHEREAS, companion animals are central to American households, with the American Veterinary Medical Association reporting that 59.8 million U.S. households have dogs and 42.2 million have cats, and strong human–animal bonds contribute to healthier, safer, and more resilient communities; and

2.  WHEREAS, according to Best Friends Animal Society, 4.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. animal shelters in 2024, and an estimated 900,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2024 alone;

3.  WHEREAS, animal shelters play a critical public service role as community safety nets for people and pets, particularly during periods of housing instability, economic hardship, and natural disasters; and

4.  WHEREAS, Best Friends Animal Society and its 5,500+ animal shelter and rescue Network Partners have advanced a national goal to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters, demonstrating that lifesaving outcomes are achievable when communities adopt data-driven humane practices, as more than two-thirds of shelters nationwide are now no-kill; and

5.  WHEREAS, no-kill is a community-wide commitment to saving every healthy and treatable dog and cat in shelters, commonly measured by achieving and sustaining a save rate of at least 90 percent, while continuously improving outcomes for animals and people; and

6.  WHEREAS, accessible pet-friendly housing without breed or weight restrictions and without nonrefundable pet fees or deposits is critical to stabilize communities and support animal shelters because data shows the number one reason for owners surrendering pets is housing barriers;

7.  WHEREAS, evidence from cities across the nation and the work of local and national organizations demonstrate that proven, scalable strategies can reduce shelter intake, increase adoption and foster participation, strengthen community engagement, and improve lifesaving outcomes, including through accessible pet-friendly housing, foster care expansion, adoption promotion, medical and behavioral rehabilitation, pet retention and support services, and community-based spay, neuter, vaccinate, and return programs; and

8.  WHEREAS, preventing unnecessary shelter entry through community-based support, such as pet-friendly government-supported housing, rehoming assistance, access to veterinary care, and temporary foster placement, reduces trauma for families and pets while strengthening public trust in municipal animal services; and

9.  WHEREAS, public awareness campaigns and coordinated community engagement play a vital role in mobilizing residents, volunteers, nonprofits, and local governments around shared lifesaving goals; and

10.  WHEREAS, cities that pursue no-kill strategies often experience broader civic benefits, including increased sustainable housing, increased volunteerism, stronger nonprofit partnerships, reduced shelter overcrowding, and more efficient use of public resources;

11.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors supports no-kill programming, including pet-friendly policies for government-supported housing, and encourages cities to adopt strategies that prioritize lifesaving and equitable access to pet support services; and

12.  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors encourages mayors and municipal leaders to elevate public awareness, celebrate local progress, and engage residents in adopting, fostering, volunteering, and supporting community animal welfare efforts; and

13.  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors encourages its member mayors to consider joining the more than 20 states and local governments that have adopted a no-kill resolution or proclamation by issuing their own no-kill resolution celebrating their local shelter that is no-kill or encouraging the community and shelter leadership to unite in support of policies and programs to achieve no-kill.

Sponsored by:
Matt Tuerk (Allentown, PA)
Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, AZ)
Cassie Franklin (Everett, WA)
Todd Gloria (San Diego, CA)
Martha Guerrero (West Sacramento, CA)
Freddie O’Connell (Nashville, TN)
Hillary Schieve (Reno, NV)