May 27, 2025
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

An extraordinary milestone has been reached in animal welfare across the Palmetto State—and it’s worth celebrating. South Carolina is now officially a No Kill state, meaning that, collectively, at least 90% of the animals entering shelters across the state are saved from euthanasia.

To mark the occasion, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster officially proclaimed May 8th as No Kill South Carolina Day, recognizing not only the achievement but the years of determination, collaboration, and compassion that made it possible. The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is proud to be one of the nearly 75 partner organizations that helped bring this vision to life.

The path to becoming a No Kill state wasn’t an easy one, and it didn’t happen overnight. The No Kill South Carolina initiative, spearheaded by Charleston Animal Society and powered by Petco Love, began in 2016, but the groundwork was laid in 2013, when Charleston County was transformed into the first No Kill county in the southeastern U.S. The success there inspired a bigger goal: a No Kill South Carolina.

When the initiative began, the numbers were daunting. Nearly 1 in 5 dogs and almost 1 in 2 cats in shelters were euthanized. Worse, there was no unified system for collecting shelter data statewide. That had to change. So, the team went to work creating that infrastructure, sharing best practices, and offering guidance to organizations from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.

As of this year, the lifesaving rate across the state now stands at 90%, with over 892,000 animals saved since the program’s launch. That’s a jaw-dropping number—and one that represents real pets, and real second chances.

The SPCA Albrecht Center has been a committed partner of No Kill South Carolina from the beginning. Through our own lifesaving efforts—daily adoptions, low-cost spay/neuter services, humane education, and community support—we’ve contributed to the larger state goal, while staying focused on our mission here in Aiken and the surrounding communities.

Members of our team joined shelters and rescues from across the state at the Charleston Animal Society’s 151st Annual Meeting and Lifesaving Celebration, where the No Kill milestone was formally announced. Seeing so many passionate advocates, including our own executive director, Sybil Altman, and myself, gathered to acknowledge this historic achievement made one thing clear: we did this together.

It’s important to understand that “No Kill” doesn’t mean euthanasia never happens. It means that healthy and treatable animals aren’t euthanized just because there’s no space or resources. It’s a compassionate, data-driven approach that focuses on community solutions. Spay and neuter efforts, access to veterinary care, behavioral support for pets, and open adoptions are all part of that puzzle.

It also means acknowledging challenges. While the statewide numbers have improved dramatically, 20 of South Carolina’s 46 counties still haven’t reached that 90% benchmark. And even in successful counties, we’re facing critical issues—like veterinary shortages, rising medical needs among incoming shelter animals, and economic stress on pet owners.

Cats have already hit the No Kill benchmark statewide, thanks in large part to spay/neuter and return-to-field programs like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) that allow community cats to live safely outdoors. Dogs, however, continue to pose a greater challenge, particularly those with medical or behavioral needs, and we must continue rising to meet their needs.

With the support of Petco Love, No Kill South Carolina isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement. Their $1 million challenge grant, awarded when the state hit its 90% goal, is helping sustain and build on the success we’ve already seen.

But it’s going to take more than funding. It takes you. It takes all of us—animal lovers, adopters, fosters, donors, and advocates—continuing to support local shelters and demanding humane, forward-thinking animal policies in our communities. It takes compassion, patience, and teamwork. Because how we treat our most vulnerable says so much about who we are.

No Kill South Carolina has shown us what’s possible when we come together. Let’s keep going.

If you’re not already involved in the SPCA Albrecht Center’s lifesaving mission, please join us! Visit LetLoveLive.org, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok @spcaalbrechtcenter or meet us in person at 199 Willow Run Rd, in Aiken SC.

Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and several beloved cats.