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Kent County, Michigan
For Immediate Release: April 28, 2023
Contact FOR MEDIA ONLY: Steve Kelso
PH:616-202-8376
EM:Steve.Kelso@KentCountyMi.gov
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Area Animal Shelters and Humane Societies Are Near Capacity
Assistance needed to reunite lost pets and more residents to adopt or foster animals
Grand Rapids, MI. (April 28, 2023) – Local West Michigan shelters and humane societies are near capacity due to high intakes of homeless and displaced animals. Residents are asked to help reunite lost pets or to consider adopting, fostering, or volunteering at any of the area animal welfare organizations.
The Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) has taken in more than 750 stray dogs and cats since January 2023. Currently, there are 116 animals in its care with the majority being dogs and puppies. Of this amount, over 70% arrived as strays.
"Stray intake has been rising and we generally don't see these kinds of numbers until summer," said Director of the Kent County Animal Shelter Angela Hollinshead. "Stray dogs are usually not far from home. We need the community to assist us in reuniting pets with families before they arrive at the shelter."
The KCAS encourages residents to wait at least 24 hours before bringing a found dog to the shelter unless there is a safety hazard for people or the pet. If the animal remains in the area for 24-hours, the chances of being reunited with its family increase significantly. The KCAS offers the following tips if you lost your pet or found an animal:
- post found pets to local Facebook groups and Nextdoor,
- upload a photo to petcolovelost.org, which uses pet facial recognition to connect lost pets with their owners, or
- hang flyers in the area where the animal was found.
"The KCAS has high standards of care and compassionate staff but the shelter is still a scary place for many pets,” said Hollinshead. “They are much better served remaining in the area they were found while residents attempt to locate their families.”
Meanwhile, Harbor Humane Society (HHS) is reporting it has 76 dogs and 141 cats in foster care or on-site. "We are seeing more strays and owner surrenders. This, coupled with slower adoptions, is making us have a lot of dogs on-site that need care," said Harbor Humane Society Executive Director Jen Self-Augler.
The HHS is encouraging residents looking to give up their dog to explore rehoming options. The organization has a Community Outreach Coordinator to help owners keep their animals in their homes. Residents are encouraged to visit www.HarborHumane.org for more information about this service.
Last, Humane Society of West Michigan (HSWM) currently has 130 cats and 91 dogs in its care and continues to receive many inquiries from residents bringing in their pets. "The demand is particularly challenging as we are simultaneously experiencing slower-than-normal dog adoptions," said Humane Society Executive Director Tania Jaczkowski.
The HSWM offers a variety of services, as do many other area animal welfare organizations, aimed at keeping pets and owners together and may provide owners with a solution they have not previously considered. And, of course, the organization always recommends that people search local shelters first when considering adding a new furry family member. To see adoptable pets and learn more about HSWM, visit www.hswestmi.org.
"We need the community's help to reunite lost pets and for more residents to consider fostering or adopting the animals in our care," concluded Hollinshead.
All three organizations will be offering reduced or free pet adoptions during the May 1-15 Bissell Pet Foundation "Empty the Shelters" event. Residents are encouraged to contact each organization for more event details.
To learn more about the KCAS programs, such as adoption, foster care or volunteer programs, visit www.accesskent.com/KCAS.
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