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• The number of euthanasia deaths for space at U.S. animal shelters drastically dropped between 2024 and 2025, with over 34,000 more pets saved

• According to the Best Friends Animal Society, the number of cats killed in shelters is at an all-time low

• The organization notes that the number of dogs killed in shelters decreased by more than 8% over the past year

U.S. animal shelter deaths have dropped drastically between 2024 and 2025.

According to new data from the Best Friends Animal Society, 34,000 fewer cats and dogs were euthanized for space in 2025 compared to the previous year. This decline is the sharpest year-to-year drop in unnecessary shelter pet deaths since 2020.

Best Friends also noted that in 2025, 4 million dogs and cats in U.S. shelters found homes, which moved the country closer to being fully “no-kill.” The organization defines “no-kill” as a 90% save rate for animals entering shelters.

“Typically, the number of pets who are suffering from irreparable medical or behavioral issues that compromise their quality of life and prevent them from being rehomed is not more than 10% of all dogs and cats entering shelters,” the nonprofit added, noting that in 2025, “more than two out of three U.S. shelters reached no-kill” status.

From 2024 to 2025, the number of dogs killed in shelters decreased by 8.5%, which amounts to about 20,000 dogs, according to Best Friends’ data. Additionally, 83% of cats that entered U.S. shelters in 2025 were saved—the number of cats killed in U.S. shelters is now at its lowest point since Best Friends started tracking data.

The animal welfare organization attributes the positive change to increased kitten fostering programs, community cat programs, and adoption interest in younger generations.

“2025 was a turning point for animal sheltering in the U.S., and the data shows an undeniable momentum for the movement to end the killing of healthy, treatable pets in shelters,” Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, said in a statement.

“The number of no-kill shelters in this country is at an all-time high, with 68% of shelters reaching this milestone last year, and of those that are not yet no-kill, nearly half have fewer than 100 additional pets to get there,” Castle added. “This progress didn’t happen by chance or by working alone.”

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Castle noted that “this is a clear example of what happens when pet lovers, shelters, and rescue groups work together to save lives.”

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