Shelter In Crisis After Over 500 Pets Taken In During Two Week Period

Shelter In Crisis After Over 500 Pets Taken In During Two Week Period

Tacoma, WA – It is raining cats and dogs at the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County and the deluge of unwanted pets has created a crisis. During a two week span of time, the shelter took in more than 500 animals and they are out of room.

On Wednesday, the shelter issued a plea for help, announcing free adoptions for adults cats and dogs, and the urgent need for foster homes. The shelter posted the plea to social media, writing:

URGENT: Capacity Emergency

Our dog kennels are completely FULL, and some single kennels are now housing two or three dogs each! We’ve had to set up temporary kennels to house the overflow. We urgently need to make space for incoming animals.

Over 500 pets have come into our care in the last two weeks, and every day, our team must push beyond our building’s capacity to make the space needed for them.

Laying out the various ways that people can help during this period of crisis:

Here are five ways you can help with this extreme overcrowding:
: Starting June 12-16, we are waiving adoption fees for adult dogs, adult cats, and all critters to create space and recourses to sustain our lifesaving operations.

There are so many wonderful pets who need you now. View them here: thehumanesociety.org/adopt

: If adoption isn’t an option right now, could you FOSTER? We’re in desperate need of foster families for large-breed dogs to help us alleviate the overcrowding. Every temporary home makes a world of difference. Learn more about fostering here: thehumanesociety.org/get-involved/foster/

: If you can hold on to a lost pet, their family will have an easier time getting them back if they stay in the neighborhood they were found. We can provide those who find lost pets with supplies such as food, kennels, leashes, and collars. If you’ve lost or found an animal, visit our Lost/Found page to take the right steps. thehumanesociety.org/lost-and-found-pets/

: Help us raise awareness by sharing our message through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Nextdoor, Ring Neighbors, local gatherings, and conversations with friends and family.

: If you are able, please consider making a monetary gift now. By making a gift today, you’ll ensure our team is able to help animals in need and continue assisting the animals who need us most. thehumanesociety.org/donate/