As pet lovers, it is disheartening to witness the declining rates of pet adoptions nationwide, which have led to overcrowded animal shelters. The consequences are dire, with shelters being forced to make difficult decisions about euthanizing animals due to lack of space. While Great Plains SPCA is not at that point, there are shelters in our community that are faced with these decisions so, it is crucial for communities to unite and take action. In this article, we explore the urgency of pet overpopulation in our community and highlight ways you can get involved with Great Plains SPCA.
Understanding the Crisis:
Pet overpopulation is an alarming issue that affects animal shelters nationwide. Due to various factors, such as a lack of awareness about spaying and neutering pets, inadequate access to veterinary care, and irresponsible breeding practices, the number of homeless animals has reached overwhelming levels. This overpopulation places an immense burden on already strained animal shelters, forcing them to make incredibly difficult decisions about euthanasia to create space for incoming animals.
We are doing all we can to get pets adopted, however, low adoption rates at animal shelters continue to be a nationwide issue, specifically impacting the Midwest. According to Shelter Pet Counts, “per capita, the Midwest shelters and rescues ranked number one in terms of increased demand to intake animals needing shelter and assistance in 2022” Across the United States, dog adoptions were down 8% in 2022 compared to the prior year, and these trends are rapidly increasing in 2023.
The Impact on Animal Shelters:
The heartbreaking reality is that some animal shelters are faced with the gut-wrenching task of deciding which animals to euthanize due to lack of resources. Shelters are often stretched to their limits, struggling to provide sufficient space, food, medical care, and socialization for the growing number of animals in their care. Great Plains SPCA is very fortunate to have generous supporters like you, who support our mission and ensure that our pets do not have to endure what these conditions are like. However, if this issue is not addressed at the community level, we could likely find ourselves in the difficult position that so many other shelters are currently in.
Getting Involved with Great Plains SPCA:
You can play a vital role in addressing pet overpopulation and supporting our efforts to save lives. Here are several ways you can get involved:
- Adopt: Consider adopting a pet rather than purchasing from breeders or pet stores. By providing a forever home to a shelter animal, you not only save a life but also create space for another animal in need.
- Foster: If you are unable to adopt a pet permanently, consider becoming a foster parent. By providing a temporary home and care for animals, you play a crucial role in their rehabilitation and increase their chances of finding a forever home.
- Volunteer: We rely heavily on our dedicated volunteers. Whether it’s walking dogs, assisting with cleaning tasks, or helping with daily activities, your time and effort can make a significant impact on the well-being of the animals.
- Donate: As a 503(c) nonprofit organization, we rely on our community’s tax-deductible donations to provide proper care for their animals. Consider making a monetary donation or contributing essential supplies such as food, bedding, and toys.
- Spay and neuter: Responsible pet ownership starts with spaying or neutering your own pets. By taking this crucial step, you help prevent unwanted litters and contribute to the long-term solution to pet overpopulation. Each pet at Great Plains SPCA is spayed or neutered prior to adoption to help prevent unnecessary pet overpopulation.
The declining rates of pet adoptions in the Midwest have created a crisis that animal shelters like Great Plains SPCA are facing head-on. Urgent action is needed to address pet overpopulation and prevent the heartbreaking euthanasia of innocent animals due to lack of space.
By getting involved with Great Plains SPCA and supporting our efforts through adoption, fostering, volunteering, donating, and promoting responsible pet ownership, you can make a difference in the lives of countless animals. Let’s come together as a community and ensure that every pet finds the loving home they deserve!