Animal shelters in Michigan are overwhelmed by the number of unclaimed and stray pets they have had to care for in the last weeks.
“We’ve definitely seen an increase in the amount of animals coming in,” Harbor Humane Society executive director Jen Self-Aulgur said to The Holland Sentinel. Harbor Humane Society is a no-kill animal shelter in West Michigan.
The rise in pet adoptions seen during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 has been slowing down, leaving shelters all over the state to deal with overcrowding and animal illness or behavioral problems.
In the past year, the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor has taken in more kittens than ever before in the last 15 years, and dogs are waiting twice as long on average to become adopted, MLive reported.
“Current economic conditions and people going back to work are likely causing the slowdown of dog adoptions,” said Humane Society CEO Tanya Hilgendorf, adding that rescue shelters compete with puppy mills that sell dogs to pet stores and online dealers.
She recommends people thinking about adding a furry friend to their families to adopt instead of shop.
Research shows that shelter dogs are no different than any other dogs behaviorally, and experts say shelter animals are just pets without homes.
“Shelter animals aren’t broken,” Self-Aulgur said. “If anything, they’re survivors.”
Adoption centers recommend people who’ve found a stray animal to take a minute and look around for the owner before bringing it to a shelter. Fostering is another way for people to help animal shelters deal with over-capacity, as well as donating money.
Many shelters are also offering holiday deals and promotions on fees to encourage adoption. The Michigan Humane Society, which has locations around the state, is taking 50% off adoption fees for all adoptable animals, CBS News reported. People interested in adopting can visit the company website to view locations and current animals up for adoption.
“Adoption,” Self-Aulgur said. “It’s definitely the number one thing we want to see people doing.”