Central Illinois animal shelters in need of adoptions amid rising intakes

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — Central Illinois animal shelters are struggling to give pets homes as they deal with full-capacity spaces.

Last week, staff with the Effingham County Animal Shelter said they have “never stayed this full for this long.” Now, we know why: there is a major increase in animal intakes and a decrease in adoptions. They’ve been at capacity for three solid weeks.

Effingham County is not alone.

The Douglas County Animal Shelter has also remained full, but for opposite reasons. Their intake rates are at an all-time high. They say animals are being dumped because people can’t afford to continue to care for them with the cost of living rising.

Effingham County Animal Control Officer Mikaela Houston explained why it can be so stressful when shelters are full.

“It’s pretty hectic because on top of everything being full, we have to clean each and every single one every single day. So, it takes longer for us to clean, then it takes longer for us to get the application and get pictures of our animals, get them posted; we do vaccinations,” she said. “So, we have we have a lot on our plate. And then, with that being full, trying to run around and make sure everything’s taken care of takes just a little bit longer.”

Officials say the best way to help is to foster or adopt. Other ways include volunteering and donating dog and cat food.

To view available pets at the Effingham County Animal Shelter, click here . For Douglas County pets, click here .

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