Burke County Animal Services has been recognized with the Transformational Change award from Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters in 2025.
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Director of Burke County Animal Resource Center Kaitlin
Settlemyre says most missing pets are found within a mile or two of
their home.
Photos For THE PAPER
Burke County Animal Services was selected for the award for the highest increase in lifesaving in a shelter based on Best Friends’ national shelter data, expert recommendations, and impact from January to November 2024. National, state, and shelter level data can be found on the pet lifesaving dashboard published by Best Friends.
Through initiatives such as our successful Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, managed intake strategies, responsible pet ownership education, and enhanced community engagement efforts, BCAS has reduced shelter intake, increased positive outcomes for animals, and strengthened partnerships with local residents. These efforts have created sustainable, life-saving changes that serve as a model for other communities.
“This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team, volunteers, and community partners. Our goal has always been to create long-term, meaningful change in animal welfare, and this recognition from Best Friends Animal Society reaffirms that we are making a real difference,” said Kaitlin Settlemyre, director of Burke County Animal Services. “We are committed to continuing this progress and ensuring every animal has the best possible chance at a happy, healthy life.”
“I could not be more proud of our entire Burke County team — which starts with the Board of County Commissioners and their vision for animal services and includes all of our incredible staff and volunteers. This recognition and accomplishment is evidence of their amazing dedication and professionalism,” said County Manager Brian Epley.
Burke County Animal Services is a member of the Best Friends Network, which comprises more than 5,000 animal shelters, spay/neuter organizations, and rescue groups across the country working to save the lives of dogs and cats in their communities. Together, Best Friends and its network partners are working to take the country no-kill in 2025.
Reaching this goal will mean that every shelter in America gets the community support it needs to save every dog and cat who can be saved while prioritizing public health, safety, and a high quality of life for both pets and people.
“It’s inspiring to see shelters and rescue groups across the country embracing innovative strategies and partnerships to save more lives,” said Whitney Bollinger, director of strategy & network operations for the Best Friends Animal Society. “These organizations illustrate that with collaboration, data-driven solutions, and resident engagement, no-kill is within reach for any community.”
No-kill is defined by a 90% save rate for animals entering a shelter and is a meaningful and common-sense benchmark for measuring lifesaving progress.
Typically, the number of pets suffering from irreparable medical or behavioral issues that compromise their or the communities’ quality of life and prevent them from being rehomed is not more than 10% of all dogs and cats entering shelters. Therefore, shelters that meet the 90% save-rate benchmark are no-kill. A community is considered no-kill when every brick-and-mortar shelter located within the county has a save rate of 90% or higher.
The path to no-kill varies by community but always includes collaborative partnerships and coalitions among animal shelters, animal rescue groups and community members working toward a collective goal. Other best practices include the implementation of proven lifesaving programs such as inclusive adoption and foster programs, community cat that use trap-neuter-return programs, transport efforts, returning lost pets to their owners, spay/neuter services, neonatal kitten nurseries, and data-informed decision-making and strategy development.
The Best Friends Network offers members vast resources to support their implementation of these practices, and more.
ABOUT BURKE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES
Burke County Animal Services is dedicated to public safety, animal welfare, and community education. Our mission is to provide compassionate care for animals in need, promote responsible pet ownership, and develop proactive programs that reduce shelter intake and increase live outcomes.
By working closely with the community, we strive to create a more humane and sustainable future for pets and the people who love them.
ABOUT BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY
Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and make the country no-kill in 2025.
Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to 415,000 last year. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary.
Working collaboratively with a network of more than 5,000 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.
