90 Percent Live Release Rate
Achieving 90% Live Release Rate is not a destination or one-time designation. Rather, it is a continued journey that must be maintained.
We have thousands of pets coming through our doors every single month, nearly a hundred every single day. Maintaining 90% Live Release Rate and higher takes daily commitment from shelter staff, rescue organizations, adopters, and the public.
Live Release Rate Calculation
ACS counts all shelter pets when calculating Live Release Rates, not just healthy, adoptable ones. ACS cannot eliminate euthanasia for shelter pets who come in gravely sick, injured, or behaviorally challenged. The shelter will use all humane means to place pets in need.
Live Release or placement is defined as the number of pets who are:
- adopted
- rescued
- transferred to another shelter
- returned to their owners after being lost
- cats placed via the shelter's community cat program (endorsing Trap-Neuter-Return)
The Live Release Rate is calculated by dividing the total number of live outcomes by the total number of outcomes from the shelter.
ACS continues to strive for the highest placement rate possible for all pets coming into the shelter while balancing our four key priorities:
- Enhanced enforcement of existing laws and codes.
- Controlling the stray animal population.
- Increasing the live release rate.
- Engaging and educating the community.
Maintaining & Improving Our Live Release Rate
Sustaining the shelter's historic Live Release Rates takes daily commitment and engagement from:
- partner shelters
- rescue organizations
- adopters
- fosters
- volunteers
- the community
Local shelters and rescue organizations throughout the country work with ACS to take in and find pet placement every day. Responsible pet owners are a vital part of the equation too:
- Adoption saves pets lives.
- Good neighbors keep their pets on their property. Leash, not loose!
- Pets should be sterilized, vaccinated, and microchipped.
- Partner shelters and rescues need fosters and volunteers year-round.
Many shelters can also use donations of food, towels, blankets, newspapers, and gently used pet goods. For those interested in supporting the shelter and pets in need, Animal Care Services has a 24/7 secured online donation tool. All donations are tax-deductible.