The San Diego Humane Society is asking the public for help easing shelter overcrowding.
The organization has a record number of dogs in its care As of Tuesday, the organization has 844 dogs, 660 of which are adults — seven months and older — and 184 are puppies. It is caring for a total of 1,971 animals overall.
Additionally, more than 100 dogs have been with the organization for at least 90 days.
Officials said the community can help in a number of ways:
— Adopt: From puppies and kittens to senior companions and small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, the San Diego Humane Society is overflowing with animals in need of adoption. SDHS offers an adoption guarantee, so families can have peace of mind knowing that if the pet isn’t the right match, they will welcome the animal back for their facility;
— Foster: A critical and temporary way to have an immediate effect and help save animals’ lives. Opening homes to foster pets gives the animals relief from the stress of overcrowded shelters and create desperately needed space for other animals in need;
— Donate: Make a gift to help care for the hundreds of pets in SDHS shelters right now; and
— Spay and neuter: Reduced access to spay/neuter services during the pandemic has exacerbated the challenges facing our shelters. SDHS offers low-cost services.
With record numbers of pets in shelters, all San Diego Humane Society campuses — including San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido, and Oceanside — are able to take in owner-surrendered dogs by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call (619) 299-7012.
City News Service contributed to this report.
