Animal Shelters seeing increase in strays, owner surrenders

MIAMI VALLEY — Local animal shelters are starting to fill up with dogs coming in as strays or owner surrenders. The increase in numbers comes after a year where many shelters were almost cleared out as many people stuck at home went out to adopt or foster four-legged companions.

Montgomery County Public Information Officer Michael Zimmerman told News Center 7′s Kayla Courvell that the county’s Animal Rescue Center was full, with 45 dogs available for adoption. That number does not include dogs on stray hold.

Zimmerman said there were over 100 dogs in the shelter overall.

“That’s a really high number for our shelter,” Zimmerman said.

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At SISCA, Director of Adoption Jessie Sullivan said it was too early to say whether the increase in surrender applications and return rates was just a seasonal fluctuation the center usually sees, or if it was the “start of a larger trend.”

Sullivan said SISCA has had to cut back on the number of strays they take in.

“Right now we’re sending officers out only if it’s a danger to people or themselves,” Sullivan said.

Both Zimmerman and Sullivan advised people to make sure getting a pet is the right time and fit for themselves and their family.

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Currently, the Animal Rescue Shelter is looking for foster parents and are working to transfer some dogs to their rescue partners.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering through the Animal Rescue Shelter, you can visit their website here.

Information on adopting through SISCA can be found here.

Cox Media Group