Governor Kelly Ayotte celebrated New Hampshire’s no‑kill shelter status in Concord, NH on Monday. The designation, first recognized in 2021, reflects a statewide effort that saves at least 90% of animals entering shelters, a threshold established with the aim that euthanasia is reserved only for those animals that are irredeemably suffering or dangerous. Ayotte noted that this achievement rests on the work of rescue groups, volunteers, and residents who adopt and foster.

Speaking at an event in the state capital, Ayotte credited a broad coalition for reaching the threshold used to define no‑kill shelter systems. “Thanks to the dedicated rescue organizations, shelters, volunteers, and Granite Staters who open their homes to pets in need,” she said, calling the work “life‑saving” for animals in need. The foundation for New Hampshire’s success hinges on strong community coalitions and widespread public engagement.

The governor named local and national rescue partners who participated in the celebration, including Best Friends Animal Society, Mary’s Dogs, and Pet Tails Rescue. The event brought together volunteers and shelter representatives to highlight the partnerships that officials say underpin the state’s high save rate, which surpasses statistics from many areas that have not yet reached no-kill status, where save rates are often below 90%.

New Hampshire’s recognition as a no‑kill state dates to 2021 when data compiled at the state level met the commonly used benchmark of saving at least 90% of animals entering shelters, positioning the state among a small group that has reached that threshold. This achievement serves as a model for other states to follow, showcasing the impact of community involvement.

Ayotte urged residents considering a pet to work with rescue groups and shelters. “Anyone looking to add a new four‑legged family member should look no further than our great rescues and shelters. Together, we can continue protecting animals and keep the Granite State the best place for families and pets to live,” she said. She emphasized that residents can also support these organizations by adopting pets, fostering animals, and volunteering for activities such as walking, socializing, and caring for animals.

Organizers at the event highlighted adoptive and foster placements, as well as volunteer support and inter‑shelter transfers, as contributors to the statewide outcome. Representatives from the named groups joined shelter staff and volunteers to discuss ongoing efforts to place animals in homes and to publicize the state’s save rate. Donation of money or supplies was also encouraged, providing critical support to meet the needs of local shelters.

Best Friends Animal Society maintains public tracking of shelter save rates nationwide and has been cited in discussions about state‑level no-kill designations. The group participated in the Concord event and in related outreach about lifesaving work in the state, reinforcing the importance of collaboration among shelters.

Officials framed the celebration as recognition of sustained community involvement rather than a single moment of change. The designation that was first identified in 2021 remains the benchmark referenced at Monday’s event, and organizers used the gathering to encourage continued adoption, fostering, and volunteerism to sustain the save rate. In states without a no-kill policy, the percentage of saved animals typically hovers around 90%, underscoring the significance of New Hampshire’s achievement.

Where the effort goes next was part of the conversation at the event: rescue groups and shelter leaders said they will continue recruitment of foster homes and volunteers and keep promoting adoptions as part of maintaining the state’s save rate. The gathering in Concord served both as a public acknowledgment of progress and as a call for ongoing community support, illustrating that the journey toward animal welfare is ongoing and collective.

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