Philadelphia animal shelters are facing an unprecedented crisis of overcrowding, issuing an urgent call to action for residents to consider pet adoption. Local organizations like ACCT Philly and Homeward Bound Animal Shelter are experiencing significantly higher intakes this year, especially of young animals, pushing their capacity to the limit. This surge in numbers necessitates immediate community involvement to provide temporary and permanent homes for vulnerable pets.
ACCT Philly reports a dramatic increase in intake numbers. “Last year in May and June we took in 60 dogs under seven months old. This year we took in 125,” explains Sarah Barnett, the executive director of ACCT Philly. To combat this surge, ACCT Philly has initiated a novel “Foster Frenzy” program, offering financial incentives to those who open their homes to foster animals. For every adult cat fostered for a month, participants receive $100, and for dogs, the incentive increases to $200. This initiative, funded by Little Hunter dog food company, aims to quickly place 75 pets in foster homes by July 22nd. Foster families are also provided with a comprehensive kit to aid in animal care, making it easier for individuals to contribute to this crucial act of pet adoption in Philadelphia. Furthermore, ACCT Philly continues to offer reduced adoption fees for cats, with adoptions priced at just $10 thanks to ongoing support from Bissell.
Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, NJ, is encountering similar challenges. Executive Director Dr. Ken Seranski describes the dire situation: “You can see even in our hallway this space is reduced,” pointing to kennels lining the hallways. The shelter is currently caring for approximately 200 dogs, a number significantly exceeding their manageable capacity of 150. In a proactive measure to encourage pet adoption, Homeward Bound is waiving adoption fees for dogs this week and has extended operating hours to facilitate adoptions. Dr. Seranski emphasizes that every dog is “spayed, neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccines,” ensuring they are healthy and ready for their forever homes. However, the urgency is palpable. If space is not freed up by July 24th, Homeward Bound may be forced to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize dogs who have been at the shelter the longest.
Dr. Seranski highlights a contributing factor to the overcrowding: an increase in pet owners facing financial hardship. “Our phones are just ringing off the hook with owners who are struggling and falling on hard times and are considering giving up their pets,” he states. This economic pressure further exacerbates the shelter crisis, making community support through pet adoption and fostering even more vital.
Despite the challenges, stories of compassion and action offer hope. Shalayby Parsons, a resident of Salem, NJ, exemplifies this spirit, stating, “We’re getting a dog today. We’re rescuing a little girl named Kaia.” Individuals like Parsons, responding to the call for act pet adoption in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, are crucial in mitigating this crisis and providing animals with loving homes.
Both ACCT Philly and Homeward Bound are striving to meet or exceed last year’s intake numbers, underscoring the critical need for community involvement. To learn more about fostering opportunities and the “Foster Frenzy” program, please visit ACCT Philly. For details on waived adoption fees at Homeward Bound and to view dogs available for adoption, please visit Homeward Bound. Your act of pet adoption in Philadelphia can make a life-saving difference for animals in need.
