Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is “dangerously full” with dogs as pet owners affected by economic hardship are surrendering their pets, the office announced on Sept. 26.
“Losing a job is devastating, and for many families, that hardship extends to the animals they love,” Caroline Hartfield, the MCASAC director, says in the press release. “Our priority is to keep pets in their homes whenever possible, and we’re expanding resources to help families through this difficult time.”
MCASAC is offering local pet food pantries, free behavior consultations, online resources, weekly rabies and microchip clinics, and a low-cost spay/neuter clinic to help reduce the need for owners to surrender their pets.
The facility is currently overrun with large-breed dogs especially, which typically spend a longer time in shelters, putting a strain on space and resources. The shelter is urgently seeking adopters and foster families.
“Across the region, shelters are full,” the MCASAC website reads. “We too are full and only accepting dogs who need immediate help. This ‘essential intake’ policy is to prevent euthanasia.”
“Essential pets” include sick or injured dogs, surrendered dogs who have no other viable options and dogs who pose a threat to public safety, according to the website.
“As an open admissions shelter, we really have to take in whatever animals need us; that’s our job,” Brooke Ciardi, MCASAC’s outreach coordinator, told Montgomery Community Media. “Whether that’s a cruelty or neglect case or an owner surrender, we are always taking animals in and we’re seeing that not a lot of animals are going out. It’s an ongoing issue particularly with our large-breed dogs over 40 pounds.”
Anyone interested in adopting can participate in MCASAC’s same-day adoption process. The shelter also announced initiatives to encourage large-breed adoptions, such as waived adoption fees in some cases.
Both short-term and emergency fostering options are available, with the shelter providing supplies and support for veterinary care as needed.
Community members can help by adopting or fostering dogs, volunteering their time, donating and/or spreading awareness of the shelter’s “critical condition.” See adoptable animals here.
Why isn’t there a link in the article for the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center so people can see what dogs are available for adoption?
Here’s the link: [Link deleted]
I agree with you. There should be info on the dogs available for adoption and some info about these dogs. There should also be a picture of each dog available.