San Diego Humane Society faces a record surge in dog intakes, struggling with overcrowded shelters as adoptions drop.
SAN DIEGO — San Diego Humane Society is breaking records — but not in a way officials would hope.
The organization has more dogs in its care than ever before, and workers say they need the county’s help.
July is expected to be the 11th consecutive month to set a record for average adult dogs in care.
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“Now we have about 800 dogs in our care every single day. And that’s just the dogs. Then we have all the other animals too. So, we’re at about 2,000 animals, and that’s a lot,” Nina Thompson, a spokesperson for the San Diego Humane Society, said.
While animals continue to come in, Thompson told CBS 8 that adoptions have declined.
Just this week, two overwhelmed owners surrendered more than 50 yorkies and huskies to the Humane Society. But shelters are already caring for a record-breaking number of dogs and workers are struggling to find ways to place the dogs in the already overcrowded shelter campuses. The organization is caring for more than 650 adult dogs and 792 dogs, with puppies included.
They hope the annual Clear the Shelters campaign that runs through the end of August will help clear some much-needed space. All adoption fees will be 50% off all month, except for horses. Then on Aug. 29, fees will be waived entirely for the day on all critters except horses.
“Whether you are looking for a loyal dog to join you on walks, a cuddly cat to keep you company, or a playful small pet like a rabbit or guinea pig, August is the perfect time to find your new best friend,” Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society, said. “By adopting, you are gaining a family member while also creating a space for another animal in need to receive care.”
It is unclear what prompted the Escondido owner of the nearly 30 yorkies to surrender their dogs, but eight have been taken to the Humane Society’s Escondido Campus so far. The dogs are being treated for heavy flea infestation and all need grooming.
The huskies owner was facing eviction in Southeast San Diego and was overwhelmed with their 25 dogs. Humane Law Enforcement said the Huskies are fearful and will need significant support from the Humane Society’s Behavior and Training team. So far, 10 huskies were taken to the San Diego Campus and three arrived at the El Cajon Campus.
When the shelter campuses are overcapacity, workers erect emergency dog housing in temperature-controlled warehouses on the campuses. They are also sometimes forced to split the dog kennels which gives each dog less space.
Humane Society is familiar with mass intakes. Earlier this year, they helped rescue more than 700 animals from an animal sanctuary in Julian.
These rescues are often multi-day operations, and the situations are complex.
Animal hoarding is an issue that can stem from myriad circumstances, such as money troubles, housing instability, isolation or a desire to help animals. Learn more about animal hoarding resources here.
Of the nearly 2,000 animals Humane Society is caring for, 874 are available for adoption. Prospective adopters can view all available animals here.
