Your Lexington Humane Society is experiencing an increased number of animals in our care, as are other animal shelters across the country. In addition to higher intake rates, it’s also taking much longer for many adoptable animals to find homes, specifically large dogs. Since July, we’ve taken in over 300 more animals than we did the year before. We currently have over 55 animals who are considered long-term residents; 40 of which have been with us for over 100 days. We are trying to do what we can to stay on top of the situation, but sadly, we don’t know when this growing problem will be resolved, or if it will be anytime soon.
Why is this happening?
Like you, animal shelters are also feeling the effects of housing insecurity and inflation. Right now the reality is that many people are either losing their homes, having to move somewhere that doesn’t allow pets, or they simply cannot afford to care for their pets any longer due to the increased cost of food and veterinary care. It’s no surprise that our partner organization, Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control, has been averaging around 100 animals just on their WAITLIST for surrender. They’ve been working hard to assist people who are no longer able to keep their pets while also leaving enough room to be able to house and care for stray, abandoned, and injured animals too.
What are we doing to help?
LHS offers food assistance to Lexington pet owners struggling to feed their pets with our Pet Food Pantry, sponsored by Cosmic Communications, throughout the year. To address the rising number of long-term residents in our care, we recently established a “Long Stay Task Force” comprised of associates from different parts of the organization who meet monthly to discuss enrichment, marketing, and more. The adoption fee for many of our adult dogs is just $25, and we host several free to low-cost adoption events throughout the year to encourage adoption as the best option.
What can you do to help?
DONATE, FOSTER, ADOPT, SUPPORT. If you need to rehome your pet, please try to do so privately, if at all possible, instead of taking them to a shelter.Donations allow us to care for the animals, feed them, and provide veterinary assistance for however long it takes to find a forever home. The more donations we have, the more we can do, and the more lives we can save. We have hundreds of homeless animals in our care at any given moment, and your support really does make a difference. Every single dollar truly counts.Fostering is such a fun and beneficial way to help the animals at LHS. By becoming a foster parent, you provide a temporary home to an animal in need and we provide all medical care, a starter kit with food, toys, a crate if requested, and support and advice. This not only opens a cage for another animal, but it also helps us to gain invaluable insight into an animal’s personality inside a home, which helps us find them a forever homeIf you are looking to add a permanent pet resident to your family, ADOPT, don’t shop. This has never been more important. If you are searching for a specific breed of pet, join our First Contact Service, sponsored by Feeders Pet Supply, and we will notify you when the type of animal you’re looking for becomes available. There are so many loving animals in shelters, with different ages, breeds (an estimated 25% are purebred), and personalities, who would make excellent companions.Above all, general support means everything. As Cathy Bissell says, “Animal shelters reflect the community.” We are so grateful to be part of a community that cares for the animals as deeply as we do. Together, we can do so much. Together, we have already done so much! We will continue to be there for the animals just as we always have to see this through, and it’s all thanks to you.
