The Humane Society of the Ochocos urgently needs volunteers and fosters for its dogs.
The shelter is currently at 145% capacity, doubling and even tripling up dogs in some kennels.
“The biggest concern is keeping them safe and healthy and clean,” said Jessica Williams, shelter manager. “We have lots of volunteers that come in and they take our dogs out and they walk, get them on trails, car rides and help us learn more about them.”
The goal, of course, is for the dogs to be permanently adopted, but in the meantime, the shelter hopes to reduce the congestion through fosters like Renee Carver.
“Anybody that can foster should try to take some of the burden off,” Carver said. “It’s really rewarding. Especially since you get to see animals start out, usually sick or malnourished, and then you get to see them really come to life.”
HSO says temporary dog care allows the shelter to perform other vital operations like ensuring the adoptable animal is good with kids and other pets.
Volunteers also help increase visibility.
“If they got an ‘Adopt Me’ vest on, people see that and may be interested or know someone that is,” Williams said. “Networking and getting faces out there helps a lot.”
Due to the overpopulation, HSO is not accepting any new dogs until further notice.
To contact the shelter, click here.
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