07/31/2026
🏆 We are proud to share that Rowan County Animal Services has once again received national recognition from Best Friends Animal Society for meeting the no-kill benchmark in 2025!
The no-kill benchmark is a live release rate of 90% or higher. We have reached this lifesaving standard for several years, but seeing the compassion, commitment and hard work of our team recognized on a national level never stops being meaningful.
Every day, our staff shows up for the animals of Rowan County with dedication, patience and heart. Lifesaving is at the center of what we do, and we work tirelessly to give every animal the best possible chance at a safe and healthy future. Meeting this benchmark means that only animals who were too severely sick or injured, or unsafe to place, had to be humanely euthanized—decisions that are never made lightly.
This achievement belongs to more than just our staff. It belongs to every adopter, foster, volunteer, networker, rescuer, transporter, donor and community partner who supports our mission. Every adoption, shared post, open home, rescue commitment, donation and helping hand makes lifesaving possible.
We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful for the community that continues to stand beside us. Thank you for helping us save lives and give the animals of Rowan County the second chances they deserve. 🐾
