no-kill

adjective

ˈnō-ˈkil 

: having or being a policy that prohibits killing

a no-kill fishing tournament

especially : having or being a policy that prohibits or severely limits the euthanizing of animals in a shelter

"I will spare no expense on veterinary care for our pets," says Renee, who has nine cats and is on the board of a no-kill shelter.

—Catherine Fredman

… shelters can euthanize up to 10 percent of their animals for reasons of health and temperament, and still be considered "no-kill."

—Greg Allen

Examples of no-kill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Miranda's Rescue is a no-kill rescue. — Jose Fabian, CBS News, 27 June 2026

The nonprofit Puppy Food Bank provides dog food to around three dozen no-kill pet shelters nationwide. — René Guzman, San Antonio Express-News, 18 Mar. 2026

Miranda’s Rescue describes itself as a no-kill animal sanctuary where rescue organizations can transfer animals for adoption or lifelong care. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026

Big Dog Ranch Rescue says its facility in Loxahatchee, Florida, is the largest cage-free, no-kill dog rescue operation in the country. — ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for no-kill

• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill
• dunghill
• foothill
• fulfil
• fulfill
• goodwill