The shelter is reporting an 84% adoption rate so far in March, according to animal shelter manager Noura Jammal. She expects the rate to rise above 90% by the end of the month.
“We've seen an increase of people wanting to do their part and find a shelter buddy to quarantine with,” Jammal said.
The shelter received 242 animals in February, Jammal said. So far this month, 212 animals have been surrendered or brought in as strays, she said.
“That's helped significantly because we're not filling up with stray cats and stray dogs or owner surrenders,” Jammal said. “We are able to focus on the animals that we do have and adopt those guys out without having to stretch our resources.”
To protect staff and visitors looking to adopt animals, the shelter has moved to an appointment-only system. Jammal suggests checking the shelter’s social media to see what animals are available prior to making an appointment.
The shelter will also help residents who are struggling to care for their pet by providing food and other items, Jammal said.
“We want to help the animal stay with their families instead of ending up here,” she said. “If they need something—food, supplies ... we'll do our best to find what they need.”
