SPCA of Brazoria County

At the SPCA of Brazoria County, we proudly identify as a no-kill shelter, which, like we talked about in our last blog post, means we maintain a 90% or higher live release rate. But today, we want to talk about something equally important: what “no-kill” should not mean.

Too often, when we celebrate our no-kill status, it unintentionally casts a shadow on the shelters and animal control agencies that are still working toward that goal. Labeling these hardworking organizations as “kill shelters” doesn’t just hurt feelings—it undermines the progress being made across the animal welfare field and damages collaboration that is essential to saving more lives.

The Language We Use Matters

Words are powerful. When we refer to a shelter as a “kill shelter,” it places blame and shame on the people working there—people who, more often than not, care deeply about the animals in their care and are doing the best they can with the resources available to them. These shelters are often underfunded, overcrowded, and short-staffed, yet they show up every day to try to make a difference.

Not All Shelters Have Equal Access to Resources

Achieving a 90% save rate takes more than just good intentions—it takes funding, access to affordable vet care, a robust foster program, adoption support, and community engagement. Some shelters simply don’t have those tools yet. It’s not a failure on their part—it’s a call for support from the rest of us.

When we paint these organizations with the “kill shelter” label, we risk discouraging public support, volunteerism, and donations—three things that could actually help them evolve into no-kill facilities. We don’t help animals by dividing ourselves. We help animals by lifting each other up.

Collaboration Over Condemnation

At SPCA of Brazoria County, we often partner with open-intake shelters who are facing overwhelming challenges. They reach out because they care, and because they’re looking for help—not judgment. The dogs and cats who come to us from these partners don’t care what kind of shelter they came from. They just want a second chance. And it’s up to all of us, working together, to give it to them.

Let’s Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

The path to becoming a no-kill community isn’t a straight line, and it’s not the same for every organization. Instead of using our words to draw a dividing line between “good” and “bad” shelters, let’s use our platforms to celebrate those making progress, share best practices, and create a network of support that lifts all shelters—and all animals—up.

So yes, we are proud to be a no-kill shelter. But we are even more proud to stand with our fellow shelters—regardless of where they are on their journey—because at the end of the day, we’re all here for the same reason: to save lives.

Let’s choose language that unites us. Let’s honor the hard work of every shelter worker and volunteer. And let’s stop calling any shelter a “kill shelter.” They deserve better—and so do the animals we all love.