The No Kill Equation

 

The No Kill Equation––developed by the No Kill Advocacy Center––is a humane, sustainable, cost-effective shelter model that works hand-in-hand with public health and safety, while fulfilling a fiscal responsibility to taxpayers. The success of this approach across the country proves the viability of this model. If every shelter in the country comprehensively implemented the ten programs and services of the No Kill Equation, we could end the killing of 3-4 million sheltered animals right now. There is a better way!

 

For a description of the programs of the No Kill Equation and how shelters should implement them, please visit www.nokilladvocacycenter.org

 

 

No Kill Nation, Inc. and the No Kill Advocacy Center are separate and distinct organizations. The No Kill Equation was developed by the No Kill Advocacy Center, and is the only model that has been successful in creating a No Kill community.

 

The mandatory programs and services of the No Kill Equation include:

 

1. Feral Cat Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) Program

2. High-Volume, Low-Cost Spay/Neuter

3. Rescue Groups Transfers

4. Foster Care

5. Comprehensive Adoption Programs (including off-site adoptions)

6. Pet Retention Programs

7. Medical and Behavior Prevention/Rehabilitation Programs

8. Public Relations/Community Involvement

9. Volunteers

10. Proactive Redemptions

11. A Compassionate Director

 

The final element of the No Kill equation is the most important of all, without which all other elements are thwarted—a hard working, compassionate animal control or shelter director not content to regurgitate tired clichés or hide behind the myth of “too many animals, not enough homes.” Unfortunately, this one is also often times the hardest one to demand and find.

 

But it is clear that No Kill is simply not achievable without rigorous implementation of each and every one of these programs and services. These programs provide the only model which has ever created No Kill communities. It is up to us in the humane movement to demand them of our local shelters, and to no longer settle for illusory excuses and smokescreens shelters often put up in order to avoid implementing them.

 

If they are sincere in their desire to stop the killing, shelter directors will implement and expand programs to the point that they replace killing entirely. Best practices, and staff accountability in cleaning, handling, and care of animals, must be the standard.

 

But the model of "transformation leadership" goes beyond standard methods of management. Change leaders are able to rouse people through the sheer power of their own enthusiasm. Such leaders don't order or direct; they inspire. When articulating their vision, they excite others about pursuing it with them. The transformational leader goes to another level, mobilizing people for organizational change by arousing their emotions about the work they do. In doing so, such leaders appeal to people's sense of meaning and value. Works becomes a kind of moral statement, a demonstration of commitment to a larger mission that affirms people's sense of belonging, need for achievement, and ability to live up to one's ideals.

 

No Kill starts as an act of will. And it begins with transformational leadership. A half-hearted effort simply isn't enough. A shift from a reactive to proactive orientation, and from a casual, ad-hoc, limited implementation to a comprehensive one, will lead to the greatest declines in killing, and fix our broken animal shelter system.

By working with people, implementing lifesaving programs, and treating each life as precious, a shelter committed to the No Kill Equation can transform their community.