LEWISTON, ID – The Lewis Clark Animal Shelter has once again met the criteria to be recognized as a no-kill facility, saving over 96% of the dogs and cats that came through its doors in 2024. The milestone, verified through data compiled by Best Friends Animal Society, marks the third year in a row the shelter has achieved this distinction.

Of the 1,302 animals brought into the shelter last year, 96.7% were placed into homes, returned to their owners, or transferred to partner organizations. Shelter staff say the achievement reflects the combined effort of the community, dedicated employees, and a growing network of foster caregivers and volunteers.

“This is about more than just hitting a number,” said Audrey Williams, Director of Operations. “It shows what’s possible when people come together with compassion and commitment to change outcomes for animals in need.”

The shelter clarified that it does not euthanize animals due to lack of space, length of stay, breed, or age. The small percentage of animals not included in the save rate were those facing untreatable illness or severe behavioral issues deemed unsafe for placement.

Programs supporting the shelter’s high save rate in 2024 included:

• A foster network that took in 334 kittens, 50 puppies, and numerous adult cats and dogs.

• The P.A.W.S. dog training partnership with the Idaho Correctional Institution–Orofino, which helped prepare 45 dogs for adoption.

• Ongoing enrichment and behavioral support efforts, including participation in the Fear Free Shelters program.

• Placement of working cats through the shelter’s Barn Buddy Program.

Foster caregivers played a vital role in the shelter’s success. “We take in animals with medical or behavioral challenges that are hard to manage in a shelter,” said foster volunteer Jyl. “Without foster homes, a lot of those pets wouldn’t have a chance.”

Another foster, Lesly, emphasized how fostering also relieves shelter overcrowding. “By giving animals a temporary home, we create room for more to be helped — and we get to know their personalities better, which really helps match them with the right families.”

Development Director Becky Sturmer credited the achievement to the collective effort of the staff, volunteers, and supporters. “Every person who steps up for these animals is part of this. It takes drive, compassion, and teamwork.”

Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare group aiming to end the unnecessary killing of pets in shelters by 2025, acknowledged LCAS’s continued progress as a model for others in the region.

More information about the Lewis Clark Animal Shelter and its programs can be found at lcshelter.org.