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

The current no-kill policy limits when veterinary staff can euthanize animals — with the procedures allowed when an animal is deemed too sick or dangerous to live. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025

Following numerous complaints and an uptick in animal deaths that resulted in the shelter losing its no-kill designation, public officials had called for an objective review of the shelter’s operations. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2025

The no-kill rescue responded quickly, worried that the canine didn't have long based on the size and placement of the pretzel container. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025

The no-kill shelter relies on public donations, Coontz said. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025

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