FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno Humane Animal Services is asking for the community’s help as the shelter faces a growing overcrowding crisis.
The organization says they desperately need homes for their larger dogs.
“We are overfilled, overpopulated, over capacity with dogs, and we need the community’s help in alleviating space so that we don’t have to resort to euthanasia,” says Priscilla Wolcott, Field Services Supervisor for the shelter.
They’re looking for people interested in adopting or fostering dogs to alleviate the overcrowding.
The shelter is a county-mandated animal control agency, meaning it cannot turn animals away.
Wolcott says whether the shelter’s 57 kennels are full or not, staff are required to make room for every animal that comes through the doors.
Some dogs currently available for adoption are marked with pink tags, a detail officials say is important for potential adopters and foster parents to know.
“The pink tags indicate that the animals have already been spayed or neutered,” says Wolcott . “They are available for adoption, and they can leave our shelter right away.”
The shelter has both an adoption side and a stray intake side, and officials say the constant flow of animals makes finding temporary and permanent homes critical.
While rescue organizations help pull dogs from the shelter, Wolcott says they can’t do it alone.
“We do heavily rely on rescues, but we do need the community’s help,” she says. “Simply fostering, adopting, or even sharing our dogs with friends and family can make a difference.”
Fostering, she says, doesn’t require a long-term commitment.
“Anyone that comes in to foster is not required to foster for a certain amount of time,” Wolcott says. “If someone can only foster for a week, that’s still incredibly helpful.”
To help keep dogs healthy and stimulated, the shelter also runs regular play groups.
Staff members work with the dogs daily, giving them time outside their kennels and helping assess their personalities.
If someone sees an animal they’re interested in, either online or at the shelter, officials say the next step is simple.
“The best way is to come in and let us know you’re interested in fostering or adopting,” Wolcott says. “You’ll be able to meet the dog, get information from staff who know them, and see if it’s a good fit.”
Those interested can also call, email or text the shelter to schedule a meet-and-greet.
Shelter officials say every adoption or foster placement helps create space for the next animal in need, and could ultimately save a life.
To learn more about the dogs or Fresno Humane, click HERE.