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 post featured six photos of the English actor, 44, sitting at the non-profit, no-kill animal rescue and shelter, playing with several felines. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025

During the run, Hideaway is partnering with A Forever Home Animal Rescue of Eustis, a no-kill shelter, to bring awareness to the charity’s mission of finding forever homes for animals from across the country. —Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025

Since the attacks, the family is working with animal control and a no-kill shelter on options for Moose. —Lauryn Overhultz, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2025

According to People, Lowe has decided to work with animal control and a no-kill shelter to do what is best for Moose. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 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