BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is grappling with a critical capacity issue as the number of animals awaiting adoption or foster care continues to soar.
“We’ve been over capacity again and again over the past couple of years. Being an open admission shelter means we must take in any pet that comes through our doors,” explained Noelle Patterson, Assistant Director of Communications.
The situation reached a tipping point recently when 25 animals arrived at the shelter by the end of a single day, exacerbating an already stressful environment.
“At this point, we are 11 kennels short of what we need to operate efficiently,” Patterson lamented.
To alleviate the strain, BARCS had to issue urgent pleas to the community, even waiving adoption fees, to encourage fostering and adoption.
“Fosters play a crucial role in providing temporary relief until we can find permanent homes for these dogs and cats,” Patterson emphasized.
Community response has been pivotal, with individuals like Natalie Ward stepping up after learning about BARCS’ overcrowding.
“If you have the space, time, and love to give, there’s no reason not to help. Dogs give you so much more than you give them, in my opinion,” Ward commented.
The shelter anticipates a seasonal increase in intakes during the summer months, with more animals being abandoned outdoors. The challenge is compounded when pets lack identification, making it difficult to reunite them with their owners.
“We always stress the importance of microchipping and tagging. Here at BARCS, we hold animals for a 72-hour stray period and make every effort to reunite them with their owners, although this isn’t always possible,” Patterson noted.
BARCS also offers a range of free or discounted services to assist pet owners facing financial difficulties, reinforcing their commitment to supporting both animals and their caregivers in the community.
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