Grand Strand, Pee Dee Animal Shelters Waive Adoption Fees to Address Overcrowding
In an attempt to mitigate crowding, animal shelters across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions are set to host fee-free adoption events. The initiative, targeted at finding ‘forever homes’ for adoptable animals, arises out of shelters operating at maximum capacity due to a rising influx of abandoned animals and reduced adoptions.
Shelters at Brimming Point
North Myrtle Beach’s Humane Society is one such shelterladen with animals due to insubstantial space. Speaking about the conundrum, Dan Skurbe, a kennel attendant, stated, “The city has outgrown this building. We need to serve the city but don’t have enough space to do that.”
For over a year, the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach has struggled with accommodating the nearly 100 cats and 50 dogs under its care, primarily due to inadequate space and staffing. The unfavourableconditions are aggravated by excessive vet costs and strict residential stipulations that seeanimals being turned away by their owners.
‘Empty the Shelters’ Campaign
Starting next week, the Humane Society is set to take part in a national campaign dubbed “Empty the Shelters.” The shelter will waive all adoption fees for dogs, cats, and puppies, and will also offer 50 percent discount for kittens. North Myrtle Beach is not alone in taking advantage of the campaign.
The Marion County Animal Shelter is also involved in the campaign, triggered by their code red level alert signifying lack of suitable space for its nearly 200 dogs. Breanna Courcy, the shelter’s director, provided a bleak forecast that older dogs might need to be euthanized if spaces aren’t made available through adoption. “These dogs are our dogs. They’re our family, so it’s not something we want to do. But, unfortunately, we’ve had to accept several dogs for which we don’t have the space,” remarked Courcy.
Finding Forever Homes
John Gambro, a local pet owner who visited the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach to adopt a beagle, echoes the notion of rescue and adoption. He believes that pets flourish in a loving home environment as opposed to shelters. “They’re in a cage here, while in a home they would flourish with some TLC. Our two rescue pets are wonderful, thanks to the love they receive at home,”said Gambro.
How You Can Help
If you are considering adding a furry friend to your family, the “Empty the Shelters” initiative commences on Monday, July 8 and runs through Friday, July 19. Beyond adoption, shelters such as the Marion County Animal Shelter always welcome volunteer dog walkers and foster families, if you cannot commit to permanently housing a pet.
