EDMONTON – The Edmonton Humane Society is closing its doors to people surrendering their pets because the organization has reached its capacity.
Since Saturday, the EHS says it has taken in 158 animals, and only 64 have been adopted. There are currently 439 cats and 143 dogs in care at the EHS.
“It’s simple math. We have an influx of animals coming in. We have less going out,” said Warren Dean, a spokesperson with the EHS.
“We’ll catch up. It’s just going to take a little bit of time.”
The high capacity is partly because it’s kitten season – this is the time of year when the shelter is overwhelmed by litters of newborn kittens. In addition, the number of animals needing to be spayed and neutered before being put up for adoption is putting stress on the medical team, Dean added.
“We want to make sure that before you adopt that animal they are 100 per cent ready to go – they have been looked after with the spay and neuter, with their first shots, micro-chipped,” he said. “We want to send you out the door with that animal in a case where you don’t have to bring them back.”
“It’s a strong reminder of how important it is for people to spay and neuter their pets,” added Megan Rodgers, operations supervisor at the EHS. “And it reinforces just how much homeless shelter animals rely on our community to provide them with safe, loving homes.”
While the EHS says it will still admit dogs in need of urgent care, people wishing to surrender their pets are being asked to wait until more space opens up at the shelter.
The EHS is holding an adoption event next weekend. Anyone wanting to adopt a pet is being encouraged to take in the event. For more information, visit the EHS’ website.
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