The Calgary Humane Society is urgently calling for increased dog adoptions as it struggles to manage a full capacity at its shelter. For over a week, the shelter’s kennels have been at maximum capacity, leading to the need for creative solutions to accommodate incoming animals.
Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons, the shelter’s Director of Public Relations, explained that the organization has been relying heavily on foster homes to alleviate the pressure. “The best thing that can happen right now is an increase in adoptions, which helps us place animals in permanent homes and open up space for others,” she stated.
In the past week alone, 12 dogs were adopted from the shelter. However, Fitzsimmons noted that the shelter has been unable to significantly reduce its growing waitlist. “For every dog we place in a home, two more arrive at our door,” she said. “It feels like we’re always behind. There’s never an empty kennel.”
Currently, the shelter is caring for approximately 45 dogs, including those in need of medical care or behavior training. In addition to the dogs at the facility, an extra 25 to 40 are placed in foster homes to help manage the overflow.
One of the many dogs awaiting adoption is Shadow, a two-year-old border collie, while Coco, a four-month-old American Blue Heeler/Pit Bull Terrier, is also up for adoption. Both are part of the growing number of dogs hoping to find forever homes.
To help ease the situation, the Calgary Humane Society has expanded its “sleepover” program, which allows potential adopters to take home a dog for up to a week to see if they are a good fit. While the program usually applies only to dogs who have been at the shelter for over 30 days, all available dogs can now participate due to the current overcrowding.
“This program is free of charge, and we provide everything needed for the dog’s care,” Fitzsimmons explained. “It’s an opportunity for families to experience life with a pet before committing long-term.”
Despite the challenges, the Calgary Humane Society remains hopeful that the community’s support will help reduce the burden on its shelter and provide dogs with the homes they desperately need.
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