Is Foothills Animal Rescue a No-Kill Shelter?

Yes. Foothills Animal Rescue states that it maintains a save rate well above the 90% threshold that defines "no-kill" status. The organization defines no-kill the same way it is commonly defined in animal welfare: a save rate of 90% or more. According to the rescue, its own performance sits comfortably above that line, which is the basis for its no-kill claim.

What "No-Kill" Actually Means

"No-kill" is a measurable standard, not a marketing label. The commonly used definition is a 90% or higher save rate — meaning at least 90 out of every 100 animals that enter the shelter leave alive, whether through adoption, foster placement, transfer to another organization, or return to an owner.

That leaves room for the remaining percentage, which typically covers animals that are euthanized for severe medical or behavioral reasons, or that die naturally. A shelter can be no-kill and still humanely euthanize in those limited cases.

Foothills Animal Rescue applies this same 90% benchmark and reports that it exceeds it. The rescue does not publish a specific save-rate percentage on the page reviewed here, so the claim rests on its own statement rather than an independently verified figure.

How the Rescue's Model Supports That Standard

The no-kill claim is consistent with how the organization operates. Foothills Animal Rescue began in 1995 as a small foster-based rescue and has grown into what it describes as one of the Valley's most trusted animal welfare organizations, helping more than 1,000 pets find brighter futures each year.

Several features of its model reduce the pressure that pushes shelters toward euthanasia:

• Foster-based origins — animals are placed in homes rather than only in kennels, which frees shelter capacity and supports animals that need time.
• Adoption and community events — a published calendar of adoption and community events keeps animals moving into homes.
• Specialized medical care — the rescue highlights stories such as Esperanza, described as "The Power of Specialized Medical Care," indicating it treats animals with significant medical needs rather than screening them out.
• Behavior and training support — stories like Sammy ("Training, Teamwork, and Second Chances") and Sadie ("Patience that Leads to Joy") point to working through behavioral challenges.

Together, these suggest a life-saving orientation rather than a capacity-limited one.

What Else to Know Before You Judge the Claim

A few practical points help you evaluate the no-kill status for yourself:

If you want to verify the no-kill claim beyond the rescue's own statement, ask directly for its most recent save-rate figure and the reporting period it covers. Save rates vary year to year, so a current number is more useful than a general claim.

Bottom Line

Foothills Animal Rescue meets the standard definition of a no-kill shelter: it uses the 90% save-rate benchmark and reports exceeding it. Its foster-based history, adoption events, medical care, and behavior support all align with a life-saving mission. For a precise, up-to-date figure, contact the rescue and request its latest save rate.