HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — “Every kennel is full,” the shelter says.
Primarily for the large dogs, the Huntsville Animal Shelter said the kennels are full as dogs wait for their forever homes.
Regardless of how well the shelter staff cares for the dogs, the shelter is overwhelmed. HAS said the dogs feel the stress and that they are under-stimulated and in “urgent need of love, care and individualized attention.”
“Our large dogs are suffering the most right now,” John Fischer, Director of Huntsville Animal Services, said. “They’re kind, smart and loyal animals, but they’re getting overlooked because they don’t stand out in a noisy kennel. Even just a few days in a home can help them decompress, shine and give us a better picture of who they are.”
The shelter said the community can help in one of three ways:
- Foster to Rehome: Take a dog in and help match them with a forever family. The average foster duration is a couple of weeks.
- Foster to Adopt: Try it out before committing. Foster a dog for a few days to two weeks to see if they are the right fit for your family.
- Sleepovers: Take a dog home for a day or night to give them a break and much-needed rest. This is especially important as the Fourth of July holiday approaches, and fireworks can cause immense stress.
To become a foster, residents must live in Madison County, be 19 or older and complete a foster application. Potential fosters can then visit the shelter to find a dog that matches their home and lifestyle.
“Our community has always stepped up when it mattered most,” Fischer added. “We’re at one of those moments now. Please consider fostering or adopting. Our dogs are counting on you.”
A full list of available dogs for adoption and fostering can be found on the HAS website here.
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