Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More
Continue in Browser
Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.
Please enter a valid zipcode.
Save
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Animal shelters in upstate New York are coping with overcrowding, and are urgently seeking homes for animals.
At Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, it’s a virtual full house.
“We have to get some animals into loving homes,” said the facility’s Vicky Pape.
There is a big effort to get animals adopted or placed in foster care at this animal shelter and others in the state.
“So, right now, we have almost 100 dogs in our care,” said Pape. “Some are in foster homes, and some are here, but we’re getting close to our capacity. And so that means that almost all of our kennels are full right now.”
She adds, “So, there’s many reasons why someone may not be able to keep their pet. But one of the main reasons we’re seeing right now is housing insecurities. It’s very hard to find a place that you can rent with a dog. So, we do see a lot of animals coming in because their owners are no longer able to keep them.”
The New York State Animal Protection Federation, which represents shelters across the state, says it all boils down to the economy, and that many people simply can’t afford to have a pet in the current economy.
And the cost of veterinary care doesn’t make it any easier for pet owners, and for rescue groups and shelters.
“Right now, Lollipop Farm, unfortunately, is not immune to the effects of the veterinary shortage that’s going on throughout the country right now,” said Lollypop Farm Director of Communications Sean Farnsworth. “Currently, we actually are forecasted to have four veterinarians. Currently, we only have two. So, it’s really kind of reduced our ability to care for animals in the capacity that we would like to.”
In fact, the facility announced the temporary pause of veterinary care to its rescue partners until they are able to get more veterinarians on site.
The folks at Lollipop say larger-sized dogs are the hardest to place.
“In talking to our other partners, large-breed dogs are finding it more challenging to find homes,” said Pape. “And a lot of that does have to do with rental properties, staying in houses, insurances and many things along those lines. Just that it all comes back to giving animals the best homes and the best resources to get that start.”
The Animal Protection Federation sends the message – adopt, don’t shop – because there are so many dogs and other animals filling up the shelters in need of loving homes.
“If you’re thinking about it and you don’t know, I would say, come in or call us, talk to us about what your lifestyle is like,” said Pape. “Talk to us about what you might be looking for, and we might just have the perfect match waiting here for you.”
Leave a Reply