Current animal shelter data shows that nearly sixty thousand more dogs and forty thousand more cats are available for adoption now compared to last year.
What You Need To Know
100,000 more dogs and cats in U.S. shelters are awaiting adoption this year compared to last
60,000 more dogs and 40,000 more cats are available for adoption
Shelters across Kentucky are feeling the squeeze
Many are dealing with an increase in pets as a result of the pandemic
2021 was a busy season for Wendy Bade and the Animal Care Society in Louisville.
“In 2021, we adopted almost 550 pets compared to previous years,” Bade said. “I think our high was in the 250 range, so there were a lot more adoptions and people were very interested in adopting.”
Now as people return back to work, animal shelters across the nation are experiencing a strain from the pandemic. According to Best Friends Animal Society, nearly 100,000 more dogs and cats in US shelters are awaiting adoption.
“We do have a wait list. We’re starting to see it throughout the pet rescue community where people are returning their pets now that COVID is kind of over and getting back to life is [more] normal,” Bade said.
Animal Care Society has nearly 100 pets on their wait list and can only house 25 dogs and 20 cats. For others like the Louisville Metro Animal Shelter, they have even waived redemption fees for owners who claim their stray pet to avoid reaching capacity.
