Hundreds of dogs in need of new homes at AHS

Hundreds of dogs in need of new homes at AHS

Animal Humane Society is currently experiencing a high number of dogs available for adoption and is asking the public to consider adopting a dog from one of its five facilities. The high number of dogs is related to the decrease in dog adoptions in recent weeks.

Currently, there are nearly 200 dogs awaiting homes at AHS in the adoption centers and holding areas with more coming in each day. Many dogs are currently being cared for in our treatments and examinations areas; therefore, we expect to see more dogs in our adoption centers on Thursday and Friday of this week.

If low adoption numbers continue while more dogs are still arriving at AHS, we will have to start putting two or three dogs in each adoption floor kennel. Doubling or tripling dogs in a kennel is not conducive to their health and well-being. The best thing for these dogs is to be adopted into new homes.

In the past, we have seen tremendous support from the community. Just this past weekend, the Twin Cities metro area proved what a dog friendly community it is by adopting 118 dogs from Thursday to Sunday—an incredible number when compared to the 50 dogs adopted during the same time period the week before. Now we’re asking for the community’s continued support as hundreds more dogs make their way to the adoption floors this week.


IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN REVIEWING AHS DOGS FOR ADOPTION

1. Know that the number of dogs listed on our website reflects only the dogs on our adoption floors—it does not reflect the number of dogs in holding areas receiving treatment and examinations or simply waiting for space on the adoption floors.

As the dogs arriving on the adoption floor this week move into new homes, those waiting for space in holding areas will be moved to the adoption floor and stay there until they’re adopted.

2. The AHS website is updated every few minutes. If you don’t see a dog that fits your family or lifestyle, please check back. With the number of dogs awaiting homes at AHS, there is a good chance we'll be able to find the dog that's right for you.

PLEASE NOTE: We are currently in the process of upgrading our database of adoptable animals. While we go through this transition, not all of the animals available for adoption at our five facilities will appear on the website. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to highlighting the new features in the coming days.

3. Potential adoption restrictions may include not adopting a dog to a family with children under the age of eight years for dogs in the Adoption Preparation, Oh Behave!, and Project Pit Bull Programs. In addition, we may confirm landlord approval for certain breeds and if you fall within city restrictions on how many pets you have.

We do not impose restrictions regarding your proximity to our shelters, smoking preference, if you have a fenced in yard, etc.

Please review our adoption procedures for more information.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

• Spread the message about the importance of spay/neuter. Click here for information on low-cost spay/neuter opportunities.
• Consider adopting a cat. This is the first time we’ve put a call out for dog adopters in recent history. However, we ask people to consider a cat throughout the summer months, every summer. Learn more about cat overpopulation and a special cat adoption offer.
• Become a foster volunteer. Temporary homes are needed for many animals prior to adoption. Click here for more information.
• Be a voice for animals and become an Animal Advocate. We need strong voices to support the Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill during the next legislative session in February 2010. Join now to ensure your voice is heard.

 

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