Animal Shelters

However, as the pandemic progressed and the novelty of pet ownership wore off for some, shelters began to fill up once again. By 2021, the influx of animals entering shelters began to outpace the rate at which they were being adopted or fostered, leading to overcrowded conditions in many facilities across the country. This surge in intake has placed immense strain on animal shelters, pushing them to their limits and forcing them to make difficult decisions, including an increase in euthanizations due to space constraints.

The reasons behind this crisis are multifaceted. One significant factor is the economic strain facing many Americans, particularly low-income families, who are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the costs associated with pet ownership. Beyond the initial adoption fee, pet owners must contend with expenses such as food, veterinary care, and grooming, which can quickly add up. Furthermore, the national housing crisis has exacerbated this issue, with affordable, pet-friendly housing becoming increasingly scarce. Many rental properties impose restrictions on pet breeds or sizes, making it challenging for pet owners to find suitable accommodations.

Additionally, the rising costs of veterinary care have placed a considerable burden on pet owners. Veterinary costs have outpaced inflation, driven by factors such as increases in the cost of medical supplies and a shortage of veterinarians. Corporate takeovers of veterinary clinics have also been cited as contributing to rising costs. This financial strain has forced some pet owners to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender their pets to shelters, as they can no longer afford to provide them with the care they need.

Another contributing factor to the shelter crisis is the surge in stray animals, which has overwhelmed shelters across the country. While owner surrender rates have declined in recent years, the number of stray intakes has risen significantly. Some of these strays may be pets that were surreptitiously abandoned by their owners, while others may have genuinely been lost or abandoned on the streets.

The pandemic-related restrictions on surrender appointments at animal shelters have also played a role in the increase in strays. Many shelters suspended walk-in surrenders during the pandemic, requiring pet owners to make appointments instead. The high demand for surrender appointments has led to long waitlists at many shelters, prompting some individuals to falsely claim that they found stray animals in order to expedite the surrender process.

Furthermore, the pandemic has led to behavioral challenges for some pets as they adjust to post-lockdown life. Dogs, in particular, may struggle with separation anxiety or behavioral issues when their owners return to work or resume social activities outside the home. These challenges can be daunting for pet owners to address, especially if they lack the time or resources to invest in training and behavioral therapy.

Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope in the midst of the crisis. Cat adoption rates have seen a significant increase compared to dog adoption rates, which can be attributed in part to the lower costs and fewer housing restrictions associated with cat ownership. This trend reflects a shifting preference among pet adopters and provides some relief for shelters struggling to accommodate an influx of animals.

In light of the ongoing shelter crisis, individuals are urged to take action to support their local animal shelters. This can include adopting or fostering animals in need, volunteering time and resources to assist shelter staff, and making financial donations to support shelter operations. By coming together as a community, we can help alleviate the strain on animal shelters and ensure that every pet receives the care and support they deserve.

A Brief History - Know where shelters came from so you can see how far they have come!

Let's delve into the historical roots of animal shelters and understand how they have evolved over time. The concept of animal shelters originated in response to the recognized issue of animal cruelty in Britain during the 1820s. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was established in 1824 to address this concern, aiming to reshape perceptions of how dogs were treated.

The SPCA made its way to the United States in 1866, founded by Henry Burgh. Despite facing mockery and ridicule, the SPCA continued to grow. In 1869, just three years later, the Women’s SPCA of Pennsylvania set up the first animal shelter, which remains operational over 150 years later. This shelter, serving as Bucks County PA’s only open-intake facility, provides adoption, training, and veterinary services.

Women’s Animal Center, established shortly after, pioneered one of the first humane education programs in America, emphasizing working with youth to foster a more compassionate future for animals. While the early shelters primarily accommodated horses, their scope expanded over the years to include dogs, cats, and other small animals, with some rescues focusing on livestock.

The term "the pound" originated in the 80s, coinciding with the popularity of stuffed animals called "pound puppies." In that era, animal rescue and welfare were not as prominent, and spay/neuter programs were not as widespread. The term itself hails from older agricultural communities, where loose livestock was held in pens until their owners retrieved them, similar to contemporary car impound lots.

Looking at improvements since the early days of sheltering, significant strides have been made. In the past, more stray animals were euthanized, and there was less emphasis on animal welfare and population control. Today, many shelters collaborate with trainers specializing in behavioral training and rehabilitation to enhance the chances of dogs thriving in family homes. The use of foster homes has also become common, providing a quieter and less stressful environment for animals to recover and transition to their forever families.

Municipal shelters in NJ operate as open-intake facilities, mandated to accept any animal that arrives at their doors. However, these shelters often face challenges due to being underfunded or understaffed.

Private shelters play a crucial role by pulling dogs from open-intake shelters. However, if these private shelters are at full capacity or have concerns about finding a suitable home for an animal, they may have the right to turn animals away.

Alternatively, some individuals may opt for smaller or breed-specific rescues. For instance, if someone has a fondness for Cavalier King Charles dogs, they might choose to volunteer with a Cavalier-specific rescue. These groups may rescue Cavaliers from shelters or assist dogs in finding new homes if their original owner is unable to care for them due to various reasons.

Regardless of preferences, there are ample opportunities for individuals to contribute to helping dogs in shelters or with rescue groups. For those seeking to adopt a new canine companion, exploring various shelters and contacting rescues is a viable approach. By communicating your preferences to adoption coordinators, they can assist you in finding the perfect match for your home.

How Does the State of NJ Define Animal Shelters, Pounds?

WHAT ARE IMPOUNDMENT FACILITIES?  

The state of NJ must adhere to the laws and regulations defined by state representatives in Trenton, NJ. It's important to note that lawmakers are not necessarily lawyers, and laws and regulations are crafted to allow interpretation and adaptability based on evolving knowledge and improved practices. The nature of laws is dynamic, allowing for changes as our understanding grows and we strive to do better. This fluidity in laws can sometimes lead to confusion for some individuals, but it reflects the ongoing process of adjusting and improving regulations over time.

Shelter Access

Knowledge is crucial, and understanding who can enter animal shelters and when falls under shelter regulations. This effort aims to offer factual and precise information. It's acknowledged that the clarity and interpretation of laws can differ for various reasons, with common sense often influencing legal understanding. Laws are crafted to be resilient, but the language employed may intentionally be broad to adapt to changing situations. As circumstances evolve, specific details might become outdated, prompting lawmakers to favor a more adaptable framework. It's important to note that animal shelters are not intended to function as petting zoos and that unnecessary traffic causes stress in the animals.