Montgomery County Animal Services announced May 10 the organization had transferred 60 dogs and cats to other shelters outside Texas and is offering to waive adoption charges through May 15, according to a news release.

Through the MCAS’s partnership with the nonprofits the Bissell Pet Foundation and the Humane Society of Montgomery County, 60 animals were flown to Connecticut on May 7. The Connecticut Humane Society helped find homes for the animals in Connecticut, Delaware, New York and Vermont, according to the release.

MCAS Director Aaron Johnson cited early litters and limited access to animal services due to the pandemic, but also pointed out staffing shortages. Community Impact Newspaper previously reported the MCAS's staffing levels have not increased since 2016.

In November 2021, the most recent month data was available, the shelter reported an intake 475 dogs and cats. Intake leveled off after the shelter was forced to pause operations in August due to an outbreak of distemper.

“We are grateful for the Bissell Pet Foundation and the Humane Society of Montgomery [County] making this life-saving flight happen,” Johnson said in the shelter’s announcement. “It is only with help from these organizations and our community at large that we can address these issues head on.”



The shelter will waive adoption fees for animals adopted through May 15 as part of its “Empty the Shelter” event. Johnson suggested people who cannot adopt explore options to volunteer, foster or donate to the shelter.

Learn more about the MCAS and adoption through the county at its website.