The Tama County Humane Society Shelter located in Tama has reached maximum capacity in recent days for both dogs and cats. Shelter leaders are hoping area residents will not only consider adopting a new furry family member but also be more responsible with the pets they already have. PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY
TAMA – The Tama County Humane Society’s animal shelter at 1406 E. 5th St. in Tama is full. With 15 dogs and 35 cats — one of whom was actively in labor on Sept. 9 — the shelter’s leaders are hoping residents will consider adopting and also be more responsible with the pets they already own.
“Cats are always at capacity. Dogs, we hit it about four or five days ago,” Shelter Director Kayla Kerkove said. “(With) dogs, it’s hit and miss.”
Board member Rachel Buchanan added that the number includes stray holds and sick animals not currently up for adoption. When asked what was driving the surge in dogs being held at the shelter, Kerkove said there were three that had been brought in by area police recently.
“Two of them, the owner knows that their dogs are here, but they’re not coming for them,” Kerkove said. “You’ve got that, and the other one, she’s super sweet but super skinny. And she’s been posted for four days, so we’ve still got a little bit (of time) before she can be put up for adoption.”
The Humane Society currently has contracts with the cities of Tama, Toledo and Dysart, the Meskwaki Nation Police Department and the Tama County Sheriff’s Office. Toledo Police Chief Dan Quigley commented that the shelter reaching its capacity has unfortunately become “all too common” of an occurrence. Although he described his thoughts as “a little cliche,” Quigely weighed in on how he felt residents could be better pet owners.
“Make sure, especially with dogs, that you have a strong enough lead or tie out. A secure kennel or fence is important as well. Every dog is different. Some may dig, some may climb. Make sure whatever you have to secure your pet is suitable for that particular animal. Always make sure that you have adequate access to food, water and shelter. If you come home and discover your pet missing, check with your local shelter and law enforcement,” he said. “Another important note is that being a pet owner is a commitment that spans the life of the companion animal. All too often, the newness or cuteness wears off when getting a puppy or kitten, or the financial burden gets to be too much and the animal is abandoned by one means or another.”
He added that people shouldn’t take on a pet if they are not 100 percent committed to caring for the animal.
“Yes, there are always going to be rare exceptions. But in general, a yearslong commitment should be the rule,” Quigley said. “I also encourage people who are interested in being pet owners to adopt from a shelter. Rescue pets deserve the opportunity of a loving home, and all too often are passed over. Don’t rule out the adult and senior pets.”
The process of adopting an animal, Kerkove said, is a relatively easy one, especially if an individual has done so in the past.
“If they’ve adopted from us before, it’s a simple process. I call the vet, I call the landlord if needed to make sure that they are able to have said pet. As long as those things check out, then they come in, they meet them, they fill out my contract, they pay and they take them home,” she said. “Same with dogs. I try to make it as quick and simple as possible.”
Buchanan and Kerkove said they try to pair animals with humans who they think will be a good match — they won’t send a chihuahua to a farm, for example — but they also admitted that they’re quite frankly dealing with a general lack of responsibility among pet owners.
“We encourage pet owners to make sure that their animals have a current ID, that they’re microchipped, that the microchip is updated, that sort of thing,” Buchanan said.
In the future, they hope to offer microchipping at the shelter, and Kerkove believes that will make a positive overall impact on the issue locally. Buchanan also encouraged pet owners who may be in a tough situation or have questions to call the shelter at (641) 481-7001.
“Kayla is incredibly well-versed in all sorts of different situations and behavior problems that pet owners might encounter, and she can walk you through different scenarios and different ways to help so that you can keep that family member in the home,” Buchanan said. “That’s the first defense in keeping shelter numbers low is helping shelter owners keep their pets in the home.”
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
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