Tacoma, WA – It is raining cats and dogs at the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County and the deluge of unwanted pets has created a crisis. During a two week span of time, the shelter took in more than 500 animals and they are out of room.
On Wednesday, the shelter issued a plea for help, announcing free adoptions for adults cats and dogs, and the urgent need for foster homes. The shelter posted the plea to social media, writing:
URGENT: Capacity Emergency 🚨
Our dog kennels are completely FULL, and some single kennels are now housing two or three dogs each! We’ve had to set up temporary kennels to house the overflow. We urgently need to make space for incoming animals.
Over 500 pets have come into our care in the last two weeks, and every day, our team must push beyond our building’s capacity to make the space needed for them.
Laying out the various ways that people can help during this period of crisis:
Here are five ways you can help with this extreme overcrowding:
𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭: Starting June 12-16, we are waiving adoption fees for adult dogs, adult cats, and all critters to create space and recourses to sustain our lifesaving operations.
There are so many wonderful pets who need you now. 
View them here: thehumanesociety.org/adopt 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫: If adoption isn’t an option right now, could you FOSTER? We’re in desperate need of foster families for large-breed dogs to help us alleviate the overcrowding. Every temporary home makes a world of difference. Learn more about fostering here: thehumanesociety.org/get-involved/foster/ 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫: If you can hold on to a lost pet, their family will have an easier time getting them back if they stay in the neighborhood they were found. We can provide those who find lost pets with supplies such as food, kennels, leashes, and collars. If you’ve lost or found an animal, visit our Lost/Found page to take the right steps. thehumanesociety.org/lost-and-found-pets/ 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝: Help us raise awareness by sharing our message through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Nextdoor, Ring Neighbors, local gatherings, and conversations with friends and family. 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞: If you are able, please consider making a monetary gift now. By making a gift today, you’ll ensure our team is able to help animals in need and continue assisting the animals who need us most. thehumanesociety.org/donate/
Adoptable Dogs – The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County
Adoptable Cats Archives – The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County
Please spread the word to help these homeless pets find a home!
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this is terrible and happening all over the place. much of this is the by product of covid 19 combined with breeders who are total dirtbags. when covid hit everyone ran out and adopted anything that was breathing with no intention of keeping the commitment they made when they adopted the animal. i remember the shelters were ecstatic with every kennel and cage empty. i got a knot in my stomach because i knew when the bullshit lockdowns ended there was going to be a flood of animals being returned. like a pair of shoes that didn’t fit right. these people should be ashamed of themselves. now we have a crush of animals with no place to go. i hope something gives soon.
You are SO RIGHT! I thought the same thing myself, knowing how selfish and fickle most people are.