MCACC gets 'No-Kill' award as it sets standard for rest of US where over 700,000 animals were killed

A total of 6,074 cats and dogs were euthanized Arizona in 2023.

PUBLISHED JUL 13, 2024

Arizona saw 104,996 animals enter shelters with 90,681 saved.

Phoenix, Arizona: Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) maintained no-kill in 2023, according to Best Friends Animal Society’s annual data report. Shelters receiving the no-kill recognition award saved more than 90% of the dogs and cats in their care in calendar year 2023.

MCACC had a live-release rate of 95% for the calendar year 2023.

“This award represents extraordinary leadership, both within your organization and the broader animal welfare movement,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, “I want to acknowledge and thank the organizations around the country who work tirelessly to save lives, helping move us closer to ending the killing of cats and dogs in shelters in 2025.”

MCACC is a municipal shelter that aims to find positive outcomes for all animals who enter the shelter.

“I have been part of the MCACC team for over a year now and I couldn’t be prouder of how hard all these individuals work to care for the thousands of animals that come into our care each year,” said MCACC Director Debbie McKnight.

"Achieving a save rate above 90% for the seventh year in a row wouldn't be possible without the help of all those who dedicate so much of their time to MCACC. It truly takes a village."

MCACC had a live-release rate of 95% for the calendar year 2023 and is on track to have an above-90% save rate this year as well. For the state as a whole, Arizona saw 104,996 animals enter shelters with 90,681 saved, giving the state a save rate of 86.5%. A total of 6,074 cats and dogs were euthanized.

Nationally 4.76 million cats and dogs entered the reported 3,964 shelters and 3.97 million were saved. The state with the highest kill count was Texas, with 82,68 cats and dogs euthanized in 2023.