Orange County Animal Services says it is “overwhelmed with homeless dogs” and is imploring the community to adopt or foster one of the over 200 dogs currently at the shelter.
Last week, Orange County Animal Services resumed normal stray intake of dogs after having to turn away animals due to “an outbreak of canine pneumovirus,” according to a statement from the organization.
The organization says the shelter “quickly became overwhelmed,” receiving 158 dogs in from October 30 to November 5.
On Monday, November 6, the shelter says it received 40 more dogs.
“The shelter is now caring for more than 200 dogs and asking for the community to step forward to adopt, foster or attempt to reunite found dogs with their owners before resorting to bringing them to the shelter,” reads the statement.
The organization says it is waiving adoption fees for a large amount of “ready to go” dogs that have already been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Last week, the shelter started an intake diversion program that offers phone consultations to those considering surrendering their pet to the shelter. Dozens of appointments have been booked.
According to the organization, many of the “reason for rehoming” responses it received were “heartbreaking,” including one resident who says they can no longer care for their dog because they have cancer.
“Shelters across the country are struggling with capacity issues as the number of dogs leaving with adopters, foster parents, rescue groups and their owners aren’t keeping pace with the number coming in,” said Diane Summers, the manager of OCAS. “The most heartbreaking realization is that people in fact do want to adopt, but the vast majority are looking for small dogs or puppies.”
For more information about adopting a pet with the organization, visit the Orange County Animal Services website.