The Haven for Animals has been recognized with the 2024 No Kill Award from Best Friends Animal Society, marking another major achievement for Baldwin County’s first no-kill shelter.

The award celebrates shelters that reach a 90% or higher save rate according to a news release. Best Friends, a nationally known nonprofit, has partnered with The Haven for more than 15 years. The group presented a plaque that now hangs at the Fairhope shelter.

Best Friends CEO Julie Castle praised the accomplishment in the release, saying, “On behalf of Best Friends Animal Society, I want to congratulate you on achieving or maintaining a 90% save rate for calendar year 2024! You’ve joined an elite group of organizations across the country who are leading the way toward making us a no-kill nation by saving 90% or more of the animals in your shelter. This plaque celebrates your organization’s dedication, leadership, and the incredible milestone you’ve reached, on behalf of the animals we all love.”

The Haven has earned numerous honors over the years, including Candid’s highest transparency badge, a designation that helps donors assess the credibility and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations. As a 501(c)3, the shelter relies heavily on community support.

Founded in 2000, The Haven became Baldwin County’s first no-kill shelter with a mission to protect homeless, abused and neglected dogs and cats. It promotes responsible pet ownership through education, advocacy and spay and neuter programs. Its lifesaving initiatives have served many thousands of animals since its inception, aided by volunteers and a small staff.

The organization also operates through a long-standing public-private partnership with the City of Fairhope. The city has outsourced shelter operations to The Haven since 2000, a model now used by other municipalities. While the city handles animal control, The Haven develops and manages shelter programs and cares for local strays. Most impounded animals are transferred into The Haven’s programs, which significantly boosts survival rates.

Shelter leaders report a sharp rise in animal intakes. Despite the surge, the staff, volunteers and community support have helped the organization assist more than 14,000 animals through adoption and care programs.

The holiday season typically brings a spike in need, making donations and volunteer help especially critical. Contributions can be made at www.havenforanimals.org or mailed to The Haven, P.O. Box 1063, Fairhope, AL 36533.

The shelter also encourages residents to consider fostering or volunteering.