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In an effort to ease overcrowding, Mississauga Animal Services Shelter says it’s running a $25 dog and cat adoption blitz until the end of August.
Greg Madeley, manager of animal care and well-being at the facility, said the campaign is an effort to “empty the shelter.”
“We have a lot of animals that have been here a long time, and we’d like to get them in a real home,” he said, noting the shelter is especially struggling with capacity for dogs.
“We are at the brim… last week alone we had dogs in crates because we had no room,” Madeley said.
As for what’s causing the increase, Madeley said rising living costs play a role.
“People realize that their vet bills are huge, and they just can’t afford the pet anymore,” he said. Typical costs associated with owning a pet, like food, have risen to the point where the shelter is looking to open up a pet food bank, he added.
Typically, adoption fees are $280 for dogs and $190 for cats, according to the City of Mississauga’s website.
Alyssa Medven, an attendant at the city shelter, said there are about 17 dogs in need of forever homes or fosters.
Mevden, who works with the dogs at the shelter on the daily, said it’s easy to see how much happier they are when they’re adopted.
“Seeing them in their homes … you can see how much happier and relaxed they are, just laying in their new owner’s beds or just frolicking in the backyard,” she said.
The adoption blitz runs until Aug. 22.