Are We At Capacity?<\/h2>\n

Dear Friends,<\/p>\n

You may have already seen on our Facebook page and our website\u00a0that we are over capacity.\u00a0 You’ll hear on the news this week that the shelter is overcrowded.\u00a0 And it’s true.\u00a0Our facility has a total of 81 kennels for dogs and 92 kennels for cats.\u00a0 We currently have 377 dogs and cats in our care. The number of animals in our care far exceeds our physical capacity to house them. Even with the addition of cat condos in the conference room and dog crates in\u00a0the offices.<\/p>\n

Of course not all 377 animals are here in the\u00a0building.\u00a0 Nearly 200 of them are in foster homes and new ones are finding placement in their adoptive homes daily.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the influx of animals into the shelter far exceeds the numbers leaving. Over the last eleven days we have averaged 8 adoptions a day and a staggering 18 new intakes a day.<\/p>\n

We need the public’s support in addressing the influx of animals.\u00a0 If at all possible, we need good Samaritans who find stray animals to provide temporary housing and we need owners needing to\u00a0surrender\u00a0to keep their pets just a little bit longer.\u00a0 We need cooperation so we can continue to create the best possible outcome for each animal that comes into our care.<\/p>\n

I would like you to know that we may be ‘over capacity’ but we are not over our capacity for care.\u00a0 There is a distinction. Every animal,\u00a0whether in the direct care of the shelter staff or that of a\u00a0foster caregiver,\u00a0is receiving nutritious food, fresh water, exercise and mental stimulation.\u00a0 Their medical needs are being met and they are loved.<\/p>\n

We hope to slow the influx of animals by partnering with good Samaritans\u00a0and pet owners\u00a0to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the animals and their humans in our community.<\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Huck Nawaz
\nExecutive Director<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

UPDATES:<\/b><\/h3>\n

Thank you! Due to the quick response from members of our community, we had 206 adoptions during the month of July!<\/strong> We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of our adopters AND to the Bissell Pet Foundation [link site] for hosting the adoption event.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Our reunification efforts for strays and lost pets are continuing through Lost and Found pet reporting. We\u2019re continuing to provide lifesaving care to the animals in need as a result of our community’s support.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Similarly, during the month of August 1-31, 2022 we are participating in a second adoption event called \u2018Clear the Shelters\u2019 which will reduce adoption fees to $25 for cats and $50 for dogs. Come by the shelter and visit all of the loving pets who are waiting to be taken home. No appointment necessary.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

To view a list of animals available for adoption, visit https:\/\/rhspca-stage.stage4.estlandhosting.com\/find-a-pet\/<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As of July 21, 2022, we are urging you to hold off on bringing in any pets lost or surrendered, or rescued strays. Our shelter is full!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":16622,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1104],"tags":[1099],"class_list":["post-16599","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shelter-updates","tag-news"],"yoast_head":"\n