The Austin City Council established a no-kill mandate requiring that at least 90% of animals at Austin Animal Services have a live outcome—meaning they are adopted, transferred to rescue partners, or returned to their owners. “No-kill” means euthanasia is reserved only for animals that are severely suffering or cannot be safely placed in the community; animals are not euthanized due to lack of space.

The City’s goal is a 95% live outcome rate, and Austin Animal Center consistently meets or exceeds this benchmark, continuing Austin’s long-standing commitment to lifesaving animal welfare practices.