Denver Animal Shelter Reaching Capacity Crisis, Asks for Help

Denver Animal Shelter Reaching Capacity Crisis, Asks for Help

Published on May 24, 2022

A growing number of pets are looking for their forever homes and shelters across the Denver metro have reached or will soon reach capacity, especially for dogs and small animals. Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) is experiencing a serious capacity crisis and is calling on the community to help.

Over the past two years, more people than usual brought pets into their homes, leading to more pets in our community. Also, the pandemic made it hard to socialize pets with other animals and people. Now, a greater number of people are surrendering their pets to animal shelters. Year to date, we've seen a 35% increase in surrendered pets over the same timeframe in 2019.

Adding to the capacity crisis, animals are spending more time than usual in the shelter's care. Pets that use to be highly desirable are now waiting to be adopted much longer than in the past.

To address this crisis, DAS is asking the community for help. Here's what you can do:

Explore all options before surrendering your pet to a shelter: It's important people know that surrendering a pet to the shelter is a serious decision, not one to be taken lightly. If you are unable to keep your pet at home, consider all other options before bringing your pet to the shelter. The best outcome for your pet is to be placed into a new home directly from your home. Post your pet on adoption websites and check with family, friends, and neighbors.

Denver Animal Protection (DAP), a division of the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE), and our partners can offer a variety of community resources to assist pet owners in keeping their animals, including help with food and other care supplies.

Looking to add a furry friend to the family? Adopt, don't shop: For a limited time, adoption fees at DAP have been reduced to $5. View all animals for adoption online. Though fees are low, adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment. The DAS team will help find the right pet for your family and lifestyle. Pro tip: check the list of lost pets too, as you are able to put a hold on a lost pet before it is available for adoption.

Before buying a small animal, like a guinea pig, gerbil, or hamster from a pet store, check the shelter first. DAS currently has several turtles and small animals available for adoption. Also, if you are considering adopting a dog from a non-profit rescue that imports dogs from other states, please check the local shelter first, to help a dog in our community.

Become a foster parent. Help us free up space in the shelter and give an adoptable pet a break from life in a kennel, which can be stressful for them. Foster families keep animals for short periods of time (from a few days to a few months) and are invaluable to the care we're able to provide for homeless pets. More information about becoming a foster volunteer is available online.

Shelters across the region and the nation are experiencing a similar influx of animals. While there is not one single reason for the increase in the number of animals looking for homes, the COVID-19 pandemic along with economic conditions likely play a role.

"The team at the Denver animal shelter provides the best care possible for all animals that come through our doors. As the number of pets in our care continues to grow, we're asking for help from our community," said DAS Shelter Services Manager Meghan Dillmore. "While we do everything in our power to find homes for every animal, we're not always successful. If you are looking to rehome your pet because you think someone else could give it a better life, please reconsider. At this time, the best place for your pet is with you."

If you are unable to adopt or foster a pet, we always welcome donations to help us provide the best care for our homeless pets.

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• Animal Shelter