video by @abc7news
San Jose Animal Care and Services is currently facing an overwhelming increase in the number of animals at their shelter, with over 900 pets desperately needing adoption or foster care. This sudden rise in shelter population has left the facility unable to accept any more healthy dogs or cats, forcing the staff to make difficult decisions regarding the intake of new animals.
Since its establishment in 2004, the shelter has never experienced such a large number of animals in its care. Out of the 900 pets currently housed at the facility, a staggering 745 are kittens. During the months of April and May, the shelter took in an average of 300 animals per week, using every available space, including repurposing classrooms as makeshift cat cages.
Due to the overcrowding, the shelter has now restricted its intake to only sick, injured, or aggressive animals. The influx of pets arriving at the facility includes both strays and those surrendered by their owners, causing a dilemma for the staff when turning away pet owners seeking help.
In response to this pressing issue, San Jose Animal Care and Services has waived adoption fees for the month of June, urging residents to adopt or foster pets such as Greta, who has been at the shelter since August, and Ronnie, who was brought in last July. The primary objective of the shelter is to save animal lives, and they are depending on the community's support to accomplish this.
To help mitigate the overcrowding crisis, shelter officials have submitted a budget proposal requesting additional overnight staff. The city council will review this request in the upcoming weeks, emphasizing the crucial role of community involvement in securing loving homes for these animals.
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