The Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County is grappling with an unprecedented capacity crisis, with the shelter currently housing 264 dogs—the highest number recorded in seven years. This critical situation has been further intensified by the intake of 60 dogs and cats rescued from a trailer in Pierce County. Even before this recent influx, the shelter was caring for 147 dogs and had nearly 100 more in foster homes.
Challenges Facing the Humane Society
Emily Keegans, Chief Operating Officer of the shelter, highlighted the urgent need for community support to address the growing demand. She stated, “The number of animals coming in exceeds the number going out into new homes,” emphasizing the importance of collective action. With adoption rates lagging behind intakes, the shelter has resorted to repurposing office spaces as makeshift kennels and deploying temporary enclosures to house the overflow of dogs.
How the Community Can Help
The Humane Society is calling for immediate community assistance to manage this crisis. Here are the key ways individuals can make a difference:
Adoption
Adopting a pet is one of the most impactful ways to help. The shelter is waiving adoption fees for dogs one year and older from January 2-5. Explore available pets and begin the adoption process by visiting their adoption page.
Fostering
Providing a temporary home for a dog in need helps alleviate overcrowding while giving pets a comfortable environment. The shelter provides all necessary supplies, including food and veterinary care. Learn more and apply to foster through their fostering program.
Caring for Lost Pets
Community members are encouraged to help reunite lost pets with their owners instead of bringing them directly to the shelter. Many lost pets remain close to their homes. Check for ID tags, post signs in the area, and utilize social media to connect with owners. The shelter offers resources like microchip scanning and supplies to assist in these efforts.
Volunteering
From animal care to fundraising and social media outreach, there are various volunteer opportunities available. Contact the shelter to find a role that matches your skills and interests.
Community Education and Support
Preventing unnecessary shelter entries is a critical focus. The shelter advocates for responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering pets to reduce unwanted litters. By educating others and supporting preventative initiatives, the community can help reduce the number of animals entering shelters.
Why Dogs End Up in Shelters
Understanding the reasons behind shelter overcrowding can help address the root causes. Common reasons include:
- Housing Issues: Landlord restrictions and relocation often force owners to surrender pets.
- Financial Constraints: The cost of pet care, including unexpected veterinary bills, can become overwhelming.
- Health or Personal Circumstances: Life changes such as illness, death, or family crises may leave owners unable to care for their pets.
- Unwanted Litters: Inadequate spaying or neutering can lead to unplanned litters.
- Stray Animals: Many dogs arrive as strays without identification, often due to a lack of secure containment or proper tagging.
A Call to Action
The Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County’s capacity crisis underscores a national trend of overcrowded animal shelters. Community involvement is essential to ensuring these animals receive the care they deserve while finding loving, permanent homes. By adopting, fostering, volunteering, and promoting responsible pet ownership, individuals can play a vital role in alleviating this crisis and supporting the welfare of animals in need.