The Putnam County Animal Shelter is significantly lowering adoption fees this week to offset overpopulation as a surge of kittens and puppies push the facility toward its maximum capacity.
Shelter Director Jennifer Tracy said the facility is currently housing approximately 110 cats and 70 dogs. Tracy said the shelter typically experiences a spike in animal intakes toward the end of the month and immediately preceding holidays. The Friends of the Putnam County Animal Shelter are putting on a Summer Lovin’ Adoption Event all week to free up space.
“We are holding this event because we have a full house,” Tracy said. “Kitten season is here in full force. We need to move some kittens on out. We’ve got a number of adult cats that are needing good homes and our dog kennels are full.”
Tracy said the current overflow of cats is due to animals born around Easter reaching adoption age at the same time new litters are arriving. Tracy said the shelter has been forced to set up supplementary cages to accommodate the high volume of animals. By lowering the adoption fees, Tracy said they hope to reduce the population to a manageable level.
Tracy said puppies under five months old that are already spayed and neutered have been discounted from $200 to $130. Tracy said the shelter also utilizes programs that allow kittens to leave with adopters before being spayed or neutered to help move them out of the building faster.
“I just want as many empty kennels as possible,” Tracy said. “We’re prepared for what’s coming in the next few days.”
Tracy said overpopulation is a significant issue and serves as the primary reason shelters exist. Tracy said the facility is currently pushing its total capacity. Adoption is the main way the shelter helps solve the overpopulation problem, and Tracy said she recommends people be cautious when getting a dog from a breeder.
“There are good breeders out there, but there’s a lot of not-so-good breeders,” Tracy said. “And buying from those not-so-good breeders just encourages more of the breeding that, you know, tends to impact us as well. So I always encourage people to look for a shelter animal first.”
Tracy said the shelter can assist pet owners who need to rehome animals by providing courtesy posts on social media to avoid the animals entering the facility. Tracy said approximately half of the animals currently in the shelter were surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them.
“Probably about half the animals that come in are being brought in because the owners can’t care for them for whatever reason anymore,” Tracy said. “So if we can help those pet owners find other avenues to rehome their pets or even keep their pets, we would much prefer to do that.”
Tracy said spaying and neutering pets is the most effective way for the community to prevent future shelter overcrowding. Tracy said the procedures also offer health benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and minimizing aggressive behaviors.
The adoption event is currently taking place at the shelter, with a special off-site event scheduled for Saturday. Tracy said a select group of animals will be at the local PetSmart on Saturday for the monthly Adopt Joy event.