With shelters operating at 150% capacity and a respiratory disease outbreak, the San Diego Humane Society launches an urgent campaign to clear its shelters and save lives.
The San Diego Humane Society is facing a dire situation as its shelters are overcrowded and a respiratory disease outbreak has claimed the lives of four dogs. To combat this crisis, the organization is offering no-fee adoptions and cash incentives for fostering puppies. With a plea to the community, the Humane Society aims to find loving homes for large dogs and mother dogs with litters of puppies, providing a temporary respite for these animals in need.
Overcrowding and the Spread of Disease
The San Diego Humane Society is currently operating at 150% capacity for dogs, leading to overcrowding that facilitates the spread of pathogens. In response, the organization has temporarily halted owner surrenders of dogs, except in emergencies, to prevent further transmission of the respiratory disease. The outbreak, caused by the strep zoo bacteria and another bacterial infection, has intensified the severity of the illness.
Urgent Need for Foster Families
To alleviate the strain on the shelters, the San Diego Humane Society is urgently seeking foster families for large dogs and mother dogs with puppies. Recognizing the importance of getting dogs out of the shelter environment, the organization is offering a $100 Visa gift card to individuals who commit to fostering a mom and puppies for at least two weeks. Additionally, adoption fees for both puppies and dogs are waived until December 1st, and reduced to $25 until December 17th.
Veterinarian’s Perspective
Dr. Laura Bunke, a veterinarian with the Humane Society, emphasizes the importance of finding homes for the dogs to improve their well-being. While the organization has treated all dogs with symptoms of strep zoo and the bacterial infection, preventing further spread, there have been no signs of a different respiratory illness reported elsewhere. Dr. Bunke advises dog owners to ensure their pets are up to date on vaccinations, flea, and tick medication, and to avoid heavily-trafficked dog parks and gatherings of dogs from different households.
County Shelters Also in Need
San Diego County’s shelters in Bonita and Carlsbad are also grappling with high numbers of dogs in their care, particularly larger dogs. These shelters are seeking foster families to provide temporary homes for these animals in need. To foster a pet from the Humane Society, visit sdhumane.org/foster. To adopt a pet from a county shelter, visit sddac.com/content/sdc/das/adopt.html, or to foster, visit sddac.com/content/sdc/das/adopt/tweenie.html.
Conclusion:
The San Diego Humane Society’s urgent campaign to clear its overcrowded shelters and combat the respiratory disease outbreak highlights the critical need for adopters and foster families. By opening their homes and hearts to these animals, individuals can make a life-saving difference. As the holiday season approaches, let us remember the importance of compassion and provide a second chance for these innocent creatures in need.
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