2020 was a year we will never forget. If there was a bright light during the pandemic, it was shelter pets. Nationwide, people were adopting and fostering more than ever, and long-term shelter pets were finally finding their forever homes.
Unfortunately, 2021 has been a very, very different story for shelter pets.
2021 has been much tougher. While the world began to open, with fewer people working remotely and travel restrictions easing, the “new normal” significantly impacted shelter pets.
The average length of stay of pets at Great Plains SPCA is 26 days. For pets who are stressed or have adoption restrictions, that number is significantly higher.
For some of our kitties like Garfield (aka Kanga), Taylor and Dottie, their average length of stay this year is 168 days. For our pups like Fiona, Marlow, Cade (aka Lance) and Grace, their average length of stay is 153 days. Together, these pups and kitties have a combined stay of almost five times our average.
Garfield (aka Kanga)
Length of Stay - 150 Days
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Dottie
Length of Stay - 168 Days
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Taylor
Length of Stay - 188 Days
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Fiona
Length of Stay - 230 Days
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Marlow
Length of Stay - 132 Days
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Cade (aka Lance)
Length of Stay - 104 Days
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Grace
Length of Stay - 149 Days
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For these animals experiencing homelessness, the toll on their physical and mental well-being from living in a shelter for an extended period is clear. They struggle with anxiety and stress, and their behaviors often worsen as the time they are here increases.
Great Plains SPCA is one of the best shelters in the country, but it is still a shelter. The impact on these animals from living in a shelter for over 100 days is palpable.
As a private, no-kill shelter, donations are our lifeline. It is you, our incredible and loyal donors, volunteers, and supporters who hear their stories and see their hearts and know that no matter how long it takes, together we won’t give up on them.
Your ongoing generosity provides the funds to ensure these animals’ wounds are healed, their lives are saved, and their forever homes found.
This year during our “Home for the Holidays” match campaign, all donations will be matched up to $150,000. We are 66% of the way to reaching our goal of $400,000. Please consider making a lifesaving gift today.
On behalf of Fiona, Marlow, Cade (aka Lance), Grace, Garfield (aka Kanga), Ferdinand, Taylor, Dottie and all the animals at the shelter right now, we are forever grateful for your support.