Our Nation’s Animal Shelters are in Crisis
by Laurie Hood, Alaqua Founder & President
Guest Column • August 21, 2022
As founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, I have spent the past 15 years advocating for animals, forming partnerships with shelters across the Southeastern United States, and creating systemic change.
The past two years have been unique for the animal welfare world. The onset of COVID-19 initially resulted in record adoption numbers because of the influx of people that were forced to stay home. Normal daily activities shifted, and many people had more time to spend with animals in their home. It was the perfect time to make the commitment and have a pet’s companionship that so many of us long for.
In fact, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), more than 23 million American households adopted a pet during the pandemic. That is nearly one in every five households!
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Families are now grappling with returning to a new “normal” life and what the responsibility of owning a pet means. With people going back to work and changes in our economy, the dilemma represents a drastic shift from where we were two years ago.
The animal welfare community throughout the country is in a dire situation and the number of animals being abandoned or surrendered by their owners to shelters is unfathomable.
Animal shelters that have previously not had to euthanize animals are in a quandary due to lack of space. They are now being forced to make the heartbreaking decision of euthanization because there is literally nowhere to house the influx of animals that are coming to them. Unfortunately, Alaqua turns away hundreds of animals each week due to lack of space. In every sense, this is a crisis.
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Animal shelters reflect our communities, and their outcomes tell us when they are underserved and need our support. Animal control facilities and municipal shelters house a number of animals that are not vaccinated, are sick, or in desperate need of basic medical care. Many communities also lack access to spay and neuter services creating an explosion of puppies and kittens, contributing to animal overpopulation. Shelter pets are suffering. Animals are dying. And shelters’ staff are being forced to make tough decisions.
Today, the state of our nation’s animal shelters is telling us that families all over the country are suffering. If you are not concerned, you should be.
With rising inflation, housing changes, increased costs of veterinary care, and many people struggling to make ends meet, shelters from coast to coast are witnessing a huge spike in the number of owner surrenders. Thousands of people each month are being forced to leave their furry family members behind. Imagine having to walk away from your beloved pet. It is utterly heartbreaking. To make matters worse, the length of stay for pets in shelters is also increasing and fewer families are adopting.
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With shelters throughout the country struggling, many animals are not getting a second chance. There are so many highly adoptable pets just waiting. Only you can save a life. Only you can be the change needed. The situation is desperate and there has never been a more crucial time for you to be part of the solution. Below are some ways you can help your local shelter and your community.
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- Adopt — When you’re looking for your next pet, please choose adoption. There are deserving pets of every breed, age, and personality type waiting to find a loving home. Share your adoption story with friends and family on social media!
- Foster — Open your heart and home to a shelter pet and create space at your local animal shelter for other pets in need.
- Donate — Please consider making a meaning gift to your local animal shelter. 100% of every lifesaving gift made to Alaqua directly benefits pets in need, lifesaving surgeries, vaccinations, and allows us to support shelters who need it most.
- Be Kind — Not only are shelters being forced to euthanize for space constraints, but they are being bullied and condemned. I urge you to not perpetuate this messaging. Euthanizing is not a decision made lightly. Please be compassionate and know that every decision to euthanize comes at a personal cost.
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I hope you will join me and Alaqua in supporting our shelters, keeping families together, and celebrating the comfort, joy, and love that animals bring us—especially during difficult times. By working together, we can all help create the best outcomes and be a part of this solution…all for the love of animals.
