Minnesota animal rescue group sees drop in adoption requests

(FOX 9) – Around the same time last year, pet rescues couldn’t keep up with the influx of adoption requests. Now they have the reverse problem in their hands.

Ruff Start Rescue says they’ve been inundated with animals in need of loving homes, and they’re seeing fewer people looking to add family pets. Donnie, a 12 week old puppy, and more are up for adoption, and many shelters and rescues are in overload mode.

“It’s just an unprecedented change for us,” said Kayla Kcielniak of Ruff Start Rescue. “Last year we saw adoptions through the roof. We would have an adorable puppy like him on our website for maybe 10 minutes, and he would already have four applications. Now we have pages and pages puppies on our website, and we’re really having a hard time filling out those adoption applications. “

The organization has around 150 dogs ready for adoption instead of around 25 last year. They hope this is only temporary as people adjust to being busy again.

“I think they were making up for lost time, and I know that the school year has been difficult for a lot of parents trying to decide what to do,” Kcielniak said.

But it’s not just enough families adopting; the number of orphan dogs is on the rise. The devastating weather has flooded many shelters in the south, and Minnesota is used to helping. In addition, locally, puppy populations have exploded in high risk areas such as reserves.

“Basically anywhere where an animal can breed all year round and can have multiple litters per year… that’s generally what we consider to be a high risk area.”

Ruff Start Rescue says the challenges are not just about their rescue, but also regionally and nationally. They say they need a lot of help and open hearts – fast.

“I always say the pros really stand out. Having someone like that in your house just the love and affection that he can give you… you just can’t compare it,” Kcielniak said.

If you would like to adopt a puppy or dog from Ruff Start Rescue, click on here.