The San Diego County Department of Animal Services says it is at a critical stage of overcrowding at dog shelters and residents were being asked to adopt or foster to help with the crisis.
“More dogs are being brought into animal shelters and are not being reclaimed or adopted,” said Kelly Campbell, director of County Animal Services.
The county’s North Shelter at 2481 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad has been particularly affected by overcrowding, as has the facility in Bonita, 5821 Sweetwater Road.
Officials cited financial and housing dilemmas faced by residents as the reasons for the situation.
Last year, county shelters took in more than 5,700 hundred animals, and more than 5,100 hundred were adopted or returned to their owners.
Residents wishing to adopt a pet can search online for dogs, cats and other pets at county shelters.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Updated 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18, 2024
