Overcrowding forces Indian River Humane Society to close the door on accepting new animals
VERO BEACH — Brody, Goose and Piglet should have twice the space in their pens at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.
But the dogs’ pens have been divided up to fit more animals into the same space, the result of overcrowding from massive increases in pet surrenders and strays.
The overcrowding at the shelter, 6230 77th St., became so severe Thursday that officials shut down the admissions department and stopped accepting more animals except in emergencies.
“We want to provide the best care possible, and currently with overcrowding and staff shortages we cannot,” said Tracey Kinsley, chief communications officer at the shelter.
The organization does not know when it will reopen admission.
On a typical day, The Humane Society holds 175 animals, ranging from cats and dogs to donkeys and even pigs.
Currently, it's housing more than 260 animals.
How did we get here?
Overcrowding in shelters is a trend seen across the country, but not at the level the Humane Society is experiencing here.
"It is a nationwide epidemic, however we are seeing it really bad in Florida," said Kinsley
This year, the society has seen a marked increase in “owner surrenders," individuals who feel they no longer can adequately take care of their pets and they relinquish them to the Humane Society. The Humane Society then prepares the animals for adoption.
Last year, the society took in an average of 211 pets per month, said Kinsley. So far this year, the number has grown to 257. More animals already have been brought in this year than in all of 2022, and June set a record with 353.
But there's more to the problem: While the number of incoming animals has increased drastically, adoptions have not, according to Humane Society data.
Since the beginning of 2022, the average of monthly adoptions has increased only 9%.
“Thirty-eight percent of surrenders (from) May to now have been due to veterinary costs, human medical issues and owners passing away," said Kate Meghji, CEO of the Humane Society. "Twenty-nine percent are due to evictions, homelessness and the inability to acquire affordable pet-friendly housing.”
The COVID-19 eviction moratorium ended Aug. 26, 2021, forcing more people to move once their leases expired and leaving them unable to find pet-friendly housing.
The price of pet food also also has increased by as much as $20, another factor making it more expensive to take care of pets, according to the humane society.
What is the Humane Society doing?
When it stopped taking new animals, it also asked pet owners to wait before relinquishing pets.
“If someone cannot afford food or medical, we will pay for it,” said Kinsley. “We’ve really had to get creative to solve this issue.”
The Humane Society houses a pet-food pantry, containing everything from dry dog food to cat litter, and volunteers distribute supplies.
Normal cages, known as “runs,” customarily give dogs enough space to walk around and stay active. But in the current crisis, the runs have been divided in half to create more capacity.
Offices also have been turned into areas for cats and kittens, with temporary moveable cages, many holding multiple cats.
More: Vero Beach Humane Society at capacity; veterinarians take in some dogs
More: Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County celebrates 70 years' service to animals
While the shelter does everything in its power to avoid using wire crates and cages, a number are currently set up in the a room usually reserved for staff meetings and events. The organization also must keep spaces open for Animal Control to bring in strays, which can occur at any time.
In June, with the record amount of incoming animals, the Humane Society sent 20 to Orchid Island Dog Spa and Resort, at a cost of $15,000, an amount unsustainable for a not-for-profit shelter that receives 90% of its funds in donations, said Kinsley. It does receive money from the county to house illegally impounded animals, such as strays and court cases.
Want to help?
Adoptions
Humane Society's adoption center, 6230 77th St., Vero Beach
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends
772-388-3331
Saturday fundraiser
Pour Your Art Out, 1549 U.S. 1, Vero Beach
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bring your furry friend to create their masterpiece painting. No paint touches your pet.
772-933-9457
Nick Slater is TCPalm's Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Indian River Humane Society closes doors due to overcrowding
