CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The overcrowding crisis for local animal shelters is a persisting issue these shelters are trying to combat every day.
In an attempt to make some room, the tri-county shelters joined together this past weekend and held an emergency animal adoption event called Lowcountry Paws Unite.
Nearly 300 animals found a home during the event, but the shelters are still urging community members to adopt, not shop.
Nearly 300 animals found a home during an emergency adoption event this past weekend, but local shelters are still urging adopt, not shop. (Live 5)
Animal Services Manager at Berkely Animal Center Dezi Baldeagle said many of their intakes are owner-surrendered, and those appointments are booked up until March.
“So, we had 71 adoptions, which is awesome. Unfortunately, it did put a little dent in our system. And we still have so many animals still overcrowding like crazy,” she said.
Dorchester Paws had 73 total adoptions, and Charleston Animal Society had 115 total adoptions.
Baldeagle said the recent adoption event all three shelters held together was successful, but they still have 150 available animals in-home, and 300 pets in foster homes – and it’s a similar situation for Charleston Animal Society.
Nearly 300 animals found a home during an emergency adoption event this past weekend, but local shelters are still urging adopt, not shop. (Live 5)
“We really need adopters for dogs. And we have a lot of larger dogs here that even though they’re large, they’re really looking just for a couch to cuddle up on or someone just to hang out with,” Aldwin Roman, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at Charleston Animal Society, said.
Roman and Baldeagle said the older, larger pups are usually the last to get adopted.
Despite their efforts to find every animal a loving home, both said growth and development in the area could be the main reason for congested shelters.
Nearly 300 animals found a home during an emergency adoption event this past weekend, but local shelters are still urging adopt, not shop. (Live 5)
“Housing is difficult, especially if you’re renting. There’s a lot of restrictions with apartments on how big or what breeds, and it makes it difficult for people to take an animal home,” Roman said.
“I think it’s just the amount of people coming to the county. It’s just bringing more animals to the county, more animals to escape from their homes. And then we get an influx of people trying to turn in their animals as well,” Baldeagle said.
A helpful tip if you’re considering adoption is to fall in love with the dog, not the breed.
Nearly 300 animals found a home during an emergency adoption event this past weekend, but local shelters are still urging adopt, not shop. (Live 5)
Even if you don’t want a forever furry friend, Roman said their shelter’s new initiative may change your mind.
“If you’re not quite ready to adopt, but you want to help an animal get adopted, you can take it home, essentially foster it, take it out in the community, take it to parks. If you find someone who’s interested and wants to adopt that animal, you come back here, they complete the adoption. We’ll give you a $150 Visa gift card for finding that animal at home,” he said.
Charleston Animal Society will have a fundraising event next Saturday called Paws in the Park.
It will run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brittlebank Park.
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