FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) \u2014 Fresno Humane Animal Services is asking for the community\u2019s help as the shelter faces a growing overcrowding crisis.<\/p>\n
The organization says they desperately need homes for their larger dogs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are overfilled, overpopulated, over capacity with dogs, and we need the community\u2019s help in alleviating space so that we don\u2019t have to resort to euthanasia,\u201d says Priscilla Wolcott, Field Services Supervisor for the shelter. <\/p>\n
They’re looking for people interested in adopting or fostering dogs to alleviate the overcrowding.<\/p>\n
The shelter is a county-mandated animal control agency, meaning it cannot turn animals away. <\/p>\n
Wolcott says whether the shelter\u2019s 57 kennels are full or not, staff are required to make room for every animal that comes through the doors.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pink tags indicate that the animals have already been spayed or neutered,\u201d says Wolcott . \u201cThey are available for adoption, and they can leave our shelter right away.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
While rescue organizations help pull dogs from the shelter, Wolcott says they can\u2019t do it alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do heavily rely on rescues, but we do need the community\u2019s help,\u201d she says. \u201cSimply fostering, adopting, or even sharing our dogs with friends and family can make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fostering, she says, doesn\u2019t require a long-term commitment.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone that comes in to foster is not required to foster for a certain amount of time,\u201d Wolcott says. \u201cIf someone can only foster for a week, that\u2019s still incredibly helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n
To help keep dogs healthy and stimulated, the shelter also runs regular play groups. <\/p>\n
Staff members work with the dogs daily, giving them time outside their kennels and helping assess their personalities.<\/p>\n
If someone sees an animal they\u2019re interested in, either online or at the shelter, officials say the next step is simple.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best way is to come in and let us know you\u2019re interested in fostering or adopting,\u201d Wolcott says. \u201cYou\u2019ll be able to meet the dog, get information from staff who know them, and see if it\u2019s a good fit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those interested can also call, email or text the shelter to schedule a meet-and-greet.<\/p>\n
Shelter officials say every adoption or foster placement helps create space for the next animal in need, and could ultimately save a life.<\/p>\n