Charleston Animal Society today announced the remarkable achievement of making South Carolina a No Kill state in 2024. For the first time in history, 90% of pets entering animal organizations across the Palmetto State were saved from euthanasia, marking a major milestone in animal welfare.
This groundbreaking success was spearheaded by No Kill South Carolina (NKSC), a Charleston Animal Society initiative, and powered by Petco Love. The NKSC team has worked tirelessly since 2016 to increase lifesaving in every region of South Carolina.
"Over the course of nine years, more than 892,000 pets were given a second chance at life, demonstrating the incredible impact of statewide collaboration," said NKSC Chief Project Officer Abigail Appleton, PMP, CAWA. "For the first time in history our NKSC Lifesaving Rate is 90%."
To commemorate this monumental achievement and discuss the future of animal welfare in the state, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has named May 8th "No Kill South Carolina Day."
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED -- BUT MUCH WORK REMAINS
Since its inception in 2016, NKSC has served as a beacon of hope for both the pets in need and the compassionate individuals dedicated to their care. This initiative united shelters, rescue groups, communities, and volunteers under a shared mission to improve the lives of South Carolina’s most vulnerable pets.
PETCO LOVE'S SUPPORT
The major driving force behind South Carolina’s journey to No Kill was the generous and unwavering support from national nonprofit Petco Love. Their $1 million challenge grant served as both a motivation and a lifeline for shelters striving toward this goal. This investment, alongside annual financial contributions (exceeding $2 million), ensured that the lifesaving work could continue, allowing animal organizations across the state to invest in innovative programs and resources to save more lives.
"Petco Love has always held true to the belief that we can save pet lives and end unnecessary euthanasia," said Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love. "We will continue to lead through our commitment to programs and projects like No Kill South Carolina that show anything is possible when it comes to finding homes for adoptable pets."
THE FUTURE OF NO KILL SOUTH CAROLINA
Achieving this No Kill benchmark is a significant victory, but sustaining and improving these lifesaving efforts remains an ongoing challenge. Charleston Animal Society and NKSC are committed to furthering their progress, particularly in these key areas:
- Cats: South Carolina has been No Kill for cats since 2023. The key to continued success is keeping cats out of shelters in the first place by expanding spay-and-neuter programs and returning cats living outdoors to their natural environments.
- Dogs: Post-pandemic challenges such as rising veterinary costs, economic concerns, and behavioral rehabilitation continue to present obstacles regarding dogs. The increasing number of shelter dogs with medical or behavioral issues underscores the need for expanded resources and community support.
- Veterinary Shortage: The U.S., including South Carolina, is facing a significant shortage of veterinarians, that is impacting access to care for pets.
- Lack of Funding: Animal shelters and organizations are consistently underfunded.
"The pinnacle of our 150th anniversary year was achieving this historic milestone," said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CFRE, CAWA. "As our lifesaving commitment continues for the next 150 years, we encourage every South Carolinian to continue supporting their local shelters, adopting pets in need, and advocating for policies that protect animals, including adequate funding."