EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Animal Services says its shelter remains over capacity as thousands of animals continue to come through its doors, with owner surrenders among the types of intakes that have increased in recent years.

New numbers presented to the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee this week show Animal Services has recorded more than 24,000 intakes so far this fiscal year.

While overall intake is down compared with the same period last year, one number that continues to climb is owner surrenders.

“We attribute, you know, some of that, of course, to the economy,” Michele Andreasen, marketing and public engagement manager for El Paso Animal Services, said. “Families are really struggling right now, especially with resources and making sure that they’re providing for their families, but also providing for their pets.”

Animal Services is working to keep more pets with their families through its Community Pet Support Program. That includes a pet pantry for families who may need help providing food for their pets.

“Our team’s goal is to help families not have to give up their pet and provide them with resources to help them keep their pet at home,” Andreasen said.

The animals coming into the shelter are also not all from within El Paso city limits. Data presented to the committee shows intakes also come from surrounding communities and other parts of El Paso County.

Andreasen said caring for the number of animals coming through the shelter has an impact on its budget, operations and available space.

“We’re seeing an increase in intake year over year. And of course, that has an impact on our budget, operationally, on the number of animals in the shelter,” Andreasen said.

Animal Services says the shelter is currently over capacity, with more than 600 dogs and more than 300 cats in its care.

At the same time, the department says some efforts to keep animals from entering the shelter are showing progress.

So far this fiscal year, Animal Protection Officers have reunited more than 1,300 pets with their owners in the field. Andreasen said microchipping has played a role in helping officers identify owners and reunite lost pets before they have to enter the shelter.

Officers also search social media and, in some cases, go door to door in neighborhoods where animals are found to try to locate their families.

Animal Services is asking the community to help ease pressure on the shelter by adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating.

The department also encourages pet owners to have their animals spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, and to make sure their microchip information is registered and up to date.

For more information visit Animal Services. 

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