DCFOF's leadership is absolutely committed to the No Kill philosophy. They make it a point to stay up to date on the latest research and techniques of the No Kill movement, and use empirically-proven policies to maximize adoptions and minimize the need for cats to enter shelters.

DCFOF microchips every cat they adopt out and keeps records for every adopter, so that any cat that reenters the program by mistake can be placed back at their adoptive home.

DCFOF has a dedicated, hard-working army of volunteers, including fosters, shelter caretakers, adoption counselors, veterinary personnel, TNR volunteers, and outreach personnel.

DCFOF uses its partners in the community to increase their exposure. They utilize social media to attract adopters and recruit volunteers, and often send a representative to public meetings on animal control.

DCFOF has a robust cleaning, handling, and socialization protocol for its volunteers to minimize the spread of illness between sick and healthy cats. All animals are vaccinated as soon as they are deemed able to be by the in-house veterinarian. Unweaned kittens are placed with a dedicated kitten foster parent. Fearful cats are placed in a quiet foster home as soon as possible to try and alleviate behavioral problems. DCFOF never euthanizes healthy cats for behavioral problems; instead, difficult-to-place cats are often placed at rural homes with need for mousers, where they can live in safety without the stress of human interaction.

DCFOF always tries to work with the adopters in case of any problems, but will also take the animal back in case of irreconcilable differences. The in-house veterinarian is a good source of advice.

DCFOF has a public adoption fair once a week, which they heavily promote on social media. Fosters at pet supply stores and veterinarian offices are high-profile ambassadors for the organization, and often get adopted within a few days of being placed in foster care. DCFOF also will work with potential adopters, setting up meeting times that are most convenient for the adopter. Their website showcases all adoptable animals, and they will often make social media posts for cats that have been in the program for awhile.

DCFOF has a large group of dedicated fosters, including a number of pet supply stores and veterinarians in the community. As a former foster parent for them, I was given all the resources I needed to care for my fosters, including food, scratching posts, and in-house veterinary care, and I was able to take only the number of fosters I was comfortable with.

DCFOF interacts regularly with other area shelters to take in cats that may not have had space otherwise, and they work quickly with their large network of fosters to place cats in their shelter so as to have room for more cats.

DCFOF's Spay Days are a marvel to observe! They are able to combine assembly-line efficiency with individualized care for every cat.

DCFOF takes great pride in their TNR program. They are always willing to help members of the public with trapping community cats for sterilization.