Animal shelter asks public for help

“We haven’t had to euthanize due to space in over three years,” Ruiz said. “We keep them as long as we can to produce a positive result.”

Caring for large numbers of large dogs not only takes up more space in kennels, but also more staff time. It’s also a problem because the Visalia Animal Care Center is operating at half its normal staff. As of last week, the animal care center was still experiencing a “high daily consumption” of large dogs. In response to the overcrowding and understaffing, Ruiz said his department reduced its dog adoption fees from $150 for women and $140 for men to a flat rate of $100 for large dogs. She said she hopes the reduced fee will encourage more people to consider adopting a large dog in need of a home.

“We still have a lot of big dogs,” Ruiz said. “We hope people can help in some way.”

So far, the public has responded to his cries for help. Visalia Animal Care Center adopted 20 dogs last week, almost matching the annual total of 30 adoptions per year.

Those unable to adopt are encouraged to volunteer at the shelter, like and follow local shelters on social media to expand their reach for lost or adoptable dogs, donate needed items such as towels and toys , even just making sure your own pets are properly identified. and at least say thank you to those working at their local shelter.

“Usually with limited resources and very little publicity, they help countless animals and people,” read a Jan. 7 post on the shelter’s social media. “Give back by choosing one or more of the following ways to show your appreciation for the groups that do so much for animals, people and your community.”

The Visalia Animal Care Center is open 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. by appointment only and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for walk-in visits Tuesday through Saturday. To make an appointment, call 559-713-4700. The center is located at 29016 Highway 99 in Visalia.

County at full capacity

The problem is not unique to Visalia, as the city also provides animal control services for other cities, including Farmersville, Exeter and Dinuba. A similar situation has developed at Tulare County Animal Services, which manages stray animals, pet adoption and more for all unincorporated areas in the county.

Carrie Monteiro, spokeswoman for the county shelter, said their facility has also seen an above-average influx of large dogs to the shelter and is at or near capacity depending on the day. Tulare County Animal Services has gone so far as to cut its large dog adoption fee from $100 to just $20.

The “Live Large—Adopt a Big Dog” campaign, part of the Best Friends Animal Society campaign, will run Jan. 15-31 to rally and encourage residents interested in a new pet to consider adoption. Adoption fees are only $20 at Tulare County Animal Services for all large breed adult dogs. Adoption fees include sterilization, vaccinations and microchipping. Adopters will also receive a free tote bag and gift bag while supplies last.

“Our shelter is full of a variety of dogs in need of loving homes, and we are thrilled to partner with the Best Friends Animal Society to offer this special adoption offer,” said Services Manager Cassie Heffington. county animal care. “It’s a win-win situation for us to be able to adopt the animals we have and make room for other animals that need our shelter and care.”

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the slaughter of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the movement without killing and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from approximately 17 million per year to approximately 347,000. Best Friends operates rescue programs nationwide, as well as the largest animal sanctuary without killing death of the country. Working in conjunction with a network of more than 3,300 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends works for Save Them All®. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.

“The goal of this campaign is to bring 500 or more large dogs across California into homes in two weeks,” said Kaylee Hawkins, Pacific Region Director at the Best Friends Animal Society. “Since it has been difficult to live large in the usual way during this pandemic, our message is that a large dog can bring a lot of love and fun into your life. Even if you live in a small space, there is has a large dog waiting in a shelter that may be perfect for you.

Anyone interested in adopting a pet, especially a large dog, can contact Tulare County Animal Services by calling (559) 636-4050 or visiting www.tcanimalservices.org to view animals currently available for adoption. The shelter takes appointments between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.