Are you a “no kill” shelter? What does that mean?
WCHS is a “no kill” shelter. This means that we will never euthanize an animal due to space or time constraints. We are dedicated to preventing animal suffering and cruelty, to adopting safe animals out to the community, and to providing quality care for every animal entrusted to us.
Euthanasia for health concerns is only considered when a veterinarian determines the animal is too sick or injured to recover to a life of quality and is suffering with a poor prognosis, protracted painful recovery, or incurable disease/illness.
Euthanasia for behavioral concerns is only considered when dogs have demonstrated multiple serious aggressive behaviors and by recommendation of a veterinary behaviorist. Dogs that display shyness, minor aggression or resource guarding, and other treatable behavioral issues are put on a behavior plan and worked with by trained staff and volunteers to ensure the dog is safe to be adopted into a home.
Euthanasia is one of the hardest decisions that has to be made by shelter staff and is only made after careful consideration of the animal, its circumstances, and prognosis for recovery or rehabilitation. These determinations are made by an experienced team of animal care professionals who consult with each other to determine and document a course of action.
Most reputable animal welfare organizations cite a save rate of 90% or more as the benchmark to be a “no kill” shelter. The Whitman County Humane Society saves annually 95-98% of the animals that come through our doors. We are dedicated to saving as many lives as possible and providing safe, loving animals to be adopted by families.
Euthanasia for health concerns is only considered when a veterinarian determines the animal is too sick or injured to recover to a life of quality and is suffering with a poor prognosis, protracted painful recovery, or incurable disease/illness.
Euthanasia for behavioral concerns is only considered when dogs have demonstrated multiple serious aggressive behaviors and by recommendation of a veterinary behaviorist. Dogs that display shyness, minor aggression or resource guarding, and other treatable behavioral issues are put on a behavior plan and worked with by trained staff and volunteers to ensure the dog is safe to be adopted into a home.
Euthanasia is one of the hardest decisions that has to be made by shelter staff and is only made after careful consideration of the animal, its circumstances, and prognosis for recovery or rehabilitation. These determinations are made by an experienced team of animal care professionals who consult with each other to determine and document a course of action.
Most reputable animal welfare organizations cite a save rate of 90% or more as the benchmark to be a “no kill” shelter. The Whitman County Humane Society saves annually 95-98% of the animals that come through our doors. We are dedicated to saving as many lives as possible and providing safe, loving animals to be adopted by families.