Best Friends Animal Society Welcomes Idaho and Montana to No-Kill States Initiative
The landscape of animal welfare in the United States has taken a remarkable turn with the recent announcement from the Best Friends Animal Society that Idaho and Montana have officially become no-kill states. This milestone signifies a considerable advancement in the movement to save pet lives in shelters, as both states have demonstrated exemplary dedication over the past year.
On May 7, 2026, Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, proudly stated that Idaho and Montana are now the fifth and sixth states in the nation to achieve no-kill status. They join the ranks of Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont by ensuring that every healthy and treatable pet in their shelters has the chance to find a loving home. This achievement is particularly significant as Idaho and Montana are the first states in the western U.S. to reach this critical benchmark.
Idaho reached this impressive goal by the end of January 2026, saving a staggering 93% of all pets in its shelters. Montana followed suit in February with an impressive save rate of 95%. The accomplishments in both states are the results of passionate collaboration among animal shelters, rescue groups, community volunteers, and local officials committed to animal welfare.
The successful transition to no-kill status in these states is a testament to the power of teamwork. In Idaho, much of the momentum towards no-kill status came from efforts to save the lives of cats, driven primarily by dedicated volunteer transport drivers. This network not only transported cats within the state but also brought them to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Salt Lake City and Cat World at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary located in Kanab, Utah. These safe havens provided an increased chance for cats to be adopted, showcasing how community action can yield positive outcomes.
Montana's success is rooted in its collective approach as well. Animal shelter and rescue group directors have united monthly to address shared challenges, celebrate successes, discuss legislative matters, and improve veterinary practices. This consistent partnership, marked by a solutions-oriented mindset, has allowed Montana's shelters to thrive and ultimately achieve the no-kill status. By facilitating spay and neuter resources and teaming up for pet transport, they ensured that every dog and cat had a chance at a happy life away from the confines of overcrowded shelters.
The road to no-kill success in Idaho and Montana was further bolstered by supportive proclamations from their respective governors. Idaho Governor Brad Little proclaimed February 5 as 'Idaho Loves Shelter Animals Day', while Montana Governor Greg Gianforte established April 9 as 'Montana Loves Shelter Animals Day.' These state-wide initiatives exemplify the critical support needed for each state's commitment to achieving and maintaining the no-kill model.
Julie Castle from Best Friends emphasized the importance of community efforts, stating, "Every day, Idaho and Montana demonstrate what's possible for animal sheltering in the U.S. Their stories are clear examples of what happens when pet lovers, shelters, and rescue groups work together to save lives."
The triumph of Idaho and Montana in reaching no-kill status aligns with Best Friends’ overarching goal of ensuring that no dog or cat dies in a shelter simply because they lack a safe place to call home. As part of their mission, Best Friends encourages individuals nationwide to contribute in meaningful ways—whether through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or advocating for homeless pets.
The organization compiles comprehensive data from nearly 4,000 shelters across the country; more than 80% of those shelters provide ongoing, updated data. This transparency not only helps communities identify their shelter's needs but also engages citizens in the collective effort to improve animal welfare. The narrative of Idaho and Montana serves as an inspiration for other states seeking to follow in their footsteps towards becoming no-kill.
The no-kill definition is based on a 90% or greater save rate, illustrating a vital standard for measuring progress in lifesaving efforts for pets entering shelters. This means that for a community to be classified as no-kill, collaboration amongst shelters, rescue groups, and all community stakeholders is essential.
As we celebrate this historic achievement, one must remember that every effort counts in the collective pursuit of saving lives. Join the movement today—every engagement can make a difference!
To learn more about Best Friends Animal Society and to stay updated on the latest progress towards saving pet lives across the nation, visit their website and utilize their resources. After all, we can all contribute to saving our four-legged friends, one helping hand at a time.
A Milestone Achievement
On May 7, 2026, Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, proudly stated that Idaho and Montana are now the fifth and sixth states in the nation to achieve no-kill status. They join the ranks of Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont by ensuring that every healthy and treatable pet in their shelters has the chance to find a loving home. This achievement is particularly significant as Idaho and Montana are the first states in the western U.S. to reach this critical benchmark.
Idaho reached this impressive goal by the end of January 2026, saving a staggering 93% of all pets in its shelters. Montana followed suit in February with an impressive save rate of 95%. The accomplishments in both states are the results of passionate collaboration among animal shelters, rescue groups, community volunteers, and local officials committed to animal welfare.
Collaboration as a Key Factor
The successful transition to no-kill status in these states is a testament to the power of teamwork. In Idaho, much of the momentum towards no-kill status came from efforts to save the lives of cats, driven primarily by dedicated volunteer transport drivers. This network not only transported cats within the state but also brought them to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Salt Lake City and Cat World at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary located in Kanab, Utah. These safe havens provided an increased chance for cats to be adopted, showcasing how community action can yield positive outcomes.
Montana's success is rooted in its collective approach as well. Animal shelter and rescue group directors have united monthly to address shared challenges, celebrate successes, discuss legislative matters, and improve veterinary practices. This consistent partnership, marked by a solutions-oriented mindset, has allowed Montana's shelters to thrive and ultimately achieve the no-kill status. By facilitating spay and neuter resources and teaming up for pet transport, they ensured that every dog and cat had a chance at a happy life away from the confines of overcrowded shelters.
Celebrating State Initiatives
The road to no-kill success in Idaho and Montana was further bolstered by supportive proclamations from their respective governors. Idaho Governor Brad Little proclaimed February 5 as 'Idaho Loves Shelter Animals Day', while Montana Governor Greg Gianforte established April 9 as 'Montana Loves Shelter Animals Day.' These state-wide initiatives exemplify the critical support needed for each state's commitment to achieving and maintaining the no-kill model.
Julie Castle from Best Friends emphasized the importance of community efforts, stating, "Every day, Idaho and Montana demonstrate what's possible for animal sheltering in the U.S. Their stories are clear examples of what happens when pet lovers, shelters, and rescue groups work together to save lives."
A National Movement
The triumph of Idaho and Montana in reaching no-kill status aligns with Best Friends’ overarching goal of ensuring that no dog or cat dies in a shelter simply because they lack a safe place to call home. As part of their mission, Best Friends encourages individuals nationwide to contribute in meaningful ways—whether through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or advocating for homeless pets.
The organization compiles comprehensive data from nearly 4,000 shelters across the country; more than 80% of those shelters provide ongoing, updated data. This transparency not only helps communities identify their shelter's needs but also engages citizens in the collective effort to improve animal welfare. The narrative of Idaho and Montana serves as an inspiration for other states seeking to follow in their footsteps towards becoming no-kill.
The no-kill definition is based on a 90% or greater save rate, illustrating a vital standard for measuring progress in lifesaving efforts for pets entering shelters. This means that for a community to be classified as no-kill, collaboration amongst shelters, rescue groups, and all community stakeholders is essential.
As we celebrate this historic achievement, one must remember that every effort counts in the collective pursuit of saving lives. Join the movement today—every engagement can make a difference!
To learn more about Best Friends Animal Society and to stay updated on the latest progress towards saving pet lives across the nation, visit their website and utilize their resources. After all, we can all contribute to saving our four-legged friends, one helping hand at a time.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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