Animals are entering faster than LMAS can get them out. They are in desperate need of foster parents, even if for a short amount of time. They cover any supplies foster parents need.
Kentucky Humane Society rescues animals, waives adoption fees
The Kentucky Humane Society is waiving adoption fees after rescuing 35 animals from a shelter damaged by storms over Memorial Day weekend.
Muhlenberg County Humane Society & Kentucky Humane Society
- Overcrowding at Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) has led to the euthanization of dozens of dogs since January 2023, breaking its no-kill status.
- LMAS urgently needs foster parents to temporarily house animals, providing all necessary supplies.
- Studies show pet ownership offers numerous health benefits, including stress reduction and increased physical activity.
- Resources for pet owners in Louisville include low-cost veterinary care, free pet food and online support.
Jan. 3, 2023, Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) was forced to put down the first dog in six years due to overcrowding.
Since 2023, more than three dozen dogs have been euthanized, still, due to overcrowding. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many animals previously adopted were returned to the shelter or abandoned due to families returning to work and being unable to continue to care for their animals. In February, the Humane Society temporarily took in 20 dogs displaced because of floods. After floods in 2022, over 100 animals were taken into the Humane Society.
Now, animals are still coming in faster than LMAS can get them out.
LMAS is in desperate need of foster parents to get animals out of shelters, even if just for a short amount of time. They cover any supplies foster parents need — crates, food, kitty litter and more — giving you everything you would require to provide and care for your furry friend. If you are unsure about long-term commitment, fostering is the perfect opportunity to ensure you are ready for an animal companion.
Owning a pet is good for your health
According to a study published by the University of California, animals reduce stress, anxiety, loneliness, give pet owners a sense of purpose and provide a feeling of calmness in their homes. More than 60% of dog owners meet their weekly recommended exercise. This can reduce the risk of many cancers, and it is important to keep in mind that walking your dog is not only for their health, but also yours. Owning pets has also shown to increase human life expectancy due to reduced depression rates and help in managing illnesses like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In studies conducted all over the world, the general consensus has been that cat ownership reduces stress (especially in seniors) and has a positive psychological influence. In a Scottish survey, kids aged 11-15 that had a bond with their kitties reported feeling more energetic, attentive and less lonely. Owning a cat can also help human relationships; for example, people that introduce themselves as a cat person tend to think that others like them more than if they call themself neither.
Keep your furry friends safe in summer heat and all year long
As summer is coming up, if you are going to have a pet in your home, make sure to ensure access to water and shade and avoid elongated exercise in heat, particularly on hot concrete. A good rule of thumb is to lay your palm on the ground, and if it’s too hot after 10 seconds don’t take your dog walking on it. And, of course, don’t leave them in hot cars for long periods of time. Monitor the length of their coat and get them regularly groomed and bathed; the use of cooling cloths or cold to lukewarm baths can be a good option.
Some resources provided by organizations in Louisville are Tail End Vet Care, which provides low-cost vaccines, blood work and other vet services; My Dog Eats First, which supplies anyone who needs it with free pet food at varying locations; and Pet Help Finder, which shares tips to help pet owners take care of their animals.
Help us help our pets by fostering animals and follow us at Troop840forpets on Instagram.
Ash Dailinger, Harper Sexton, Nora Lam, Alice Lam and Sophia Reno-Weber are members of Girl Scout Troop 840.
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