HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. ( WTRF ) – Many of the shelters around the Ohio Valley are overflowing with dogs and cats, especially with kitten season in full swing.
Hancock County Animal Shelter is officially at maximum capacity with more animals coming in each day. The shelter only has enough space for 30 dogs.
The shelter says many of the dogs in their care right now are a result of people surrendering their animals or strays who are not claimed.
On Tuesday, the shelter got approval from the Hancock County Commission office to close intakes until next Tuesday, June 25. This is the first time the shelter has had to close intakes of animals in its history.
Daily Operations Manager, Hope Sayre, says this was a really difficult decision.
“With the limited indoor space and the heat index this week, we don’t want to have to resort to housing dogs outside and would like families and those who find strays to help house them until this heat wave passes. Hopefully, we can open more indoor kennels soon.”
Hope Sayre | Daily Operations Manager, Hancock County Animal Shelter
Right now, they are struggling to find enough space for the influx of dogs coming into the shelter, saying it is putting a major strain on their resources.
A female dog and eight one week old puppies were surrendered to the shelter on Tuesday, and Sayre says they are looking for a someone who would be willing to foster them.
Kennel Technician Ashely Miller says the influx isn’t just hard for the staff, it’s hard for the shelter animals as well.
“When we have a lot of dogs that takes away from enrichment time your time. So, it’s like you’re getting less and less time with the dogs. I would say right now we mostly have dogs between the ages of 1 to 3 years. They’re young, which makes it hard because when you’re a young dog and you come to the shelter, you get the added stress.”
Ashely Miller | Kennel Technician, Hancock County Animal Shelter
There are ways to help the shelter provide a safe space for these animals, especially with the forecasted heat wave hitting the valley.
They are looking for families interested in adopting, fostering or those who are willing to donate their time, money or resources.
Follow this link to view applications to foster/adopt or take a look at their wish lists.
The shelter will be closed this Wednesday, June 19 through Friday, June 21 for the Holidays.
On Saturday, June 22, they are having an adoption event at Pet Supplies Plus in Weirton from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with dogs, cats and kittens.
Sayre says if you find a stray, you can report it using their form on their Linktree.
If you need to surrender an animal, please visit this link .
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