TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– Overcrowding and funding are constant issues for the Sullivan and Clay County Humane Societies.
Tina Baker, Sullivan County Humane Society manager, said due the pandemic pet owners are struggling now more than ever.
“It’s been about 50/50. We’ve seen some surrenders due to people’s financial situations. But in the beginning of the pandemic when a lot of people were home, they were able to come in and visit with our animals,” she said. “We did quite a few adoptions when it first started because people were able to get those animals to adjust to their living situations while they were home.”
Lindsay Hicks- Stevenson, Clay County Humane Society manager, said finances can be the main reason some pets are surrendered.
However, shelter food pantries are available for pet owners who may not be able to feed their animals.
“Normally we’d see one to two people that need some help. But lately it’s been a lot more. It’s been about 10-15 a week that people are needing help with food and assistance,” Hicks-Stevenson said.
As for the shelters, they’re seeing less donations than they did at the start of the pandemic.
“It’s makes it hard for us because we never want to turn down anyone who needs help. But with our donations being down.. it’s difficult to put that back out to the community to help others,” Hicks-Stevenson continued.
With Christmas coming up, both shelters expect to an increase in adoptions as families look for pets for their children.
Baker said it’s important for new owners to understand the choice they’re making to take a pet home.
“We want to make sure that this is a lifetime commitment and not just a Christmas commitment. Instead of in September or October, we’re seeing those animals come back to us,” Baker noted. “So our adoption inquires go up but we ask a lot more questions like their reasons for adopting and making sure people understand this is a lifetime commitment. “
