After taking in 900 animals this month, NoCo Humane needs help

LOVELAND, Colo. ( KDVR ) — NoCo Humane is still in great need after taking in 900 animals in June, despite hundreds of adoptions.

The intake is a 63% increase compared to this time last year. The humane society expanded services last year from Larimer County into Weld County, which does account for some of those additional animals. Nonetheless, their need is there.

The humane society’s challenge of caring for so many animals comes down to capacity: They lack space at their Weld campus and Amanda Myers, director of Development and Community Relations says they’re short-staffed, too.

“Staffing is always a huge issue and if you don’t have the staff to care for so many animals, there are a lot of bottlenecks that can ensue,” Myers said.

Throughout June the organization held a “name your price” promotion, but now they are putting their foot fully on the pedal and waving all adoption fees to find homes for all of their animals. The plan created a busy day on Friday at the shelter.

Doreen Huerta, came in to adopt one cat but ended up leaving with two.

“I saw they had orange cats and they ended up showing me the sister and she’s adorable, but I came in for the male and so now I’m getting them both,” Huerta said. “It’s worth coming down here and possibly saving an animal’s life.”

NoCo Humane’s main issue is intake. If they can slow down the number of intakes this summer, staff said they can get back on track. NoCo says there are three main ways you can help keep those intake numbers down.

1. Provide temporary care for lost animals
   • If you come across a healthy, stray animal in the community, consider caring for it in your home. Submit a Found Animal report at nocohumane.org for the organization to work on reuniting the animal with their family while keeping the animal out of the shelter. Pet food and supplies are available for pickup for those willing to provide temporary care.
2. Rehome alternatives
   • If you need to rehome your pet, consider a rehome alternative before surrendering to NOCO Humane. More information about no-cost, self-rehoming services is at nocohumane.org .
3. Keep animals secure during fireworks
   • Fireworks commonly cause anxiety and panic in pets and often leads to an influx of animals at shelters after July 4. Ensure your pets are safe and secure during loud
     festivities. The best way to be reunited with a lost pet is to have them microchipped and licensed.

Myers hopes these tips, plus the waived adoption fees, clear out their shelter.

“If the adoption fee has ever been a barrier to you coming out to the shelter to find a pet, now is your time to come on in and we hope to get as many pets out the door as possible,” Myers said.

The humane society is also in need of volunteers at the Weld County location. If you can’t adopt or donate, the organization says donations are always appreciated. You can find ways to volunteer, adopt or donate on their website here.

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