Shelter takes in 53 dogs this month and ‘is operating over capacity’
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Problem Solved
- The Wayne County Dog Shelter is struggling to operate over capacity as intake numbers rise.
- The shelter held its annual Bow Wow Ball fundraiser and raised over $28,000 to help cover operating costs.
- Funds are used to provide medical care, food and shelter to stray and surrendered dogs in Wayne County.
- Residents can help by volunteering, donating or adopting a dog from the shelter.
Since its inception in 2015, the Wayne County Dog Shelter has promoted responsible pet ownership. The shelter processes hundreds of dogs annually, providing medical care, nutritious food and a warm place to sleep.
The shelter also emphasizes the importance of spaying and neutering to help combat the overpopulation crisis, offering educational programs that help inform the public about humane treatment and the benefits of adopting rather than shopping for pets.
“We had an influx of 53 dogs in February, and we are operating over capacity right now,” said Dog Warden and Shelter Director Katelyn Lehman. “We were operating overcapacity for most of 2024, and we had to set up additional kennels to care for them. So our mission is more important than ever.”
The Wayne County Dog Shelter operates on a limited budget and relies on community support and fundraisers like the Bow Wow Ball to fulfill its mission. The event this year raised $28,479.81 for the shelter.
“We had the largest number of people register to attend the event this year,” Lehman said. “Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, and about one-third couldn’t attend. This event is so important to the shelter because these funds provide all of the veterinary care to our dogs.”
Donating, volunteering or participating in events ensures the shelter can continue to provide services to dogs awaiting adoption or for an owner to claim a lost family pet.
At the heart of the mission lies a team of volunteers and employees who rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs that have faced neglect or hardship. The team works to ensure each canine resident receives the medical care, socialization and training necessary to thrive.
Two people were honored at the event for exemplary service:
- Volunteer of the Year: Roger Meredith
- Employee of the Year: Shelter Manager Summer Foss.
In addition, the shelter is focused on increasing adoption rates, reducing the number of stray dogs and building partnerships with organizations to enhance reach.
To volunteer, donate or adopt, visit waynedogshelter.org.
Dan Starcher is the Public Communications coordinator for Wayne County.
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