Memphis stray dog problem overwhelming city animal shelter; adoptions free for now

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Animal Services is doubling up dogs in kennels and making a plea for help after taking in nearly 200 dogs last week.

MAS is set up to house 180 dogs, but there are over 300 dogs at the shelter right now. Interim Director Mary Claire Borys said animal control officers picked up at least 18 more dogs on Friday.

Borys said the animal overflow is creating a stressful situation for the dogs and staff.

“We want to make sure that when the animals are in our care, we provide the best living situation possible. So, we need to get dogs out of the shelter and into adoptive homes, foster homes, and rescue groups, and we literally have every kind of dog available,” she said.

Borys estimates around 20,000 stray dogs are living on the streets of Memphis.

Among the 188 dogs that came into the shelter during the last week of September, 70 were surrendered by an owner or a stray rescued by someone in the community.

Borys said the economy may be forcing some people to give up their pets.

“Memphis not unique in this situation,” Borys said. “We had a lot of people adopt during COVID when they were home, and now they are not as home as much. We’ve had their life circumstances change, and the economy has hit some people hard, so it has all kind of come together in the perfect storm.”

Thanks to the Bissell Pet Foundation, all adoptions at MAS are free through October 15. Memphis Animals Services also spays, neuters, and chips every pet that leaves the shelter.

Borys says pet owners must also do their part to help reduce the animal population.

“It’s very important for owners to remember that number one spaying or neutering your pet is the law here in the City of Memphis,” said Borys. “It’s also important to know that spaying and neutering improves the long-term health of your animal. It also decreases their desire to wander and escape your yard.”

The shelter is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at 2350 Appling City Cove. Memphis Animals Services is also hosting a pet adoption event at the Wolfchase Petsmart this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To see adoptable dogs and cats, click here .

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