The local animal shelter marked an historic day today when it ran out of animals available for adoption.
Every dog and cat that was living at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) had been adopted and the shelter had empty kennels and cat rooms on Jan. 22.
“It’s a historic event for the humane society,” said the shelter’s executive director, Sonya Reichel. “This is a good sign that pets are in homes where they need to be.”
The kennels won’t stay empty long, however as the local shelter just received a transfer of eight cats from a cat rescue in Sault Ste. Marie called Saving Elmo.
“At times like this when we have space in our facility, we will reach out to our partners and help the communities that aren’t experiencing the same level of adoption,” said Reichel, adding the GTHS will also be receiving transfers from North Bay next week.
“We’re so grateful to our community for adopting our animals and giving them loving families and we’re celebrating this milestone in animal welfare,” said Reichel, noting she doesn't recall a time in the 13 years she's been there that the shelter has been empty of adoptable animals.
She anticipates the shelter will receive more animals soon, in addition to the ones they’re getting from northern communities.
This is typically a lower volume season for the shelter. Adoption numbers are about even with last year, however, Reichel said it appears there are fewer animals being surrendered to the shelter and an increase in calls to the pet support services.
“Those services are intended to keep pets in their home,” said Reichel.
The services include a pet pantry to give food to pet owners struggling to afford pet food, and the shelter also offers emergency medical services and boarding for specific situations.
