Overcrowding Prompts Huntsville Animal Services to Waive June Fees

Huntsville Faces Overcrowded Animal Shelters

In a move triggered by severe overcrowding, Animal Services in Huntsville, Alabama is currently waiving adoption fees for most adult animals through the end of June. This situation arises due to an increase in unwanted litters of kittens and puppies, coupled with stray pickups.

Shelter Conditions Worsen

Currently, the shelter is housing over 100 dogs and more than 60 cats. As a result, the conditions for the animals in these overcrowded shelters have drastically reduced. Prolonged stays in such an environment often lead to stressed animals who exhibit signs of aggression if left for too long.

A Plea to the Local Community

Interim Director Virgie Graham has been vocal in reminding the residents of Huntsville that their facility is not a no-kill shelter. She stresses the importance of spaying and neutering pets to prevent the undue burden of unwanted litters on the shelter. The influx of animals, she states, is mostly due to pet owners’ refusal to undergo these procedures. The situation worsens during the summer, as more strays are picked up when dogs and cats escape their homes or fenced yards.

Adoption Bonuses

Every pet adopted from the shelter comes with several benefits. The service ensures each animal is spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before leaving for their new home. Pets are also treated with a three-month application of flea and tick preventative, and additionally, a city license and a free bag of food are provided, while supplies last.

Fostering can help

For those who cannot adopt a pet, Animal Services asks them to consider fostering animals until they find their forever homes. This proposal provides a much-needed relief from the stressful shelter environment for the animals. The possibility of temporary fostering over weekends is also encouraged by the service.

Shelter Timings

The shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday to Friday. On Tuesday, they extend their hours till 6 p.m., and on Saturday their doors are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, the shelter will remain closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Further Details

For people interested in adoption or fostering, more details can be found on the shelter’s website or Facebook page. They can also reach out to the service at 256-883-3782. This move from Huntsville Animal Services sends a clear call to the community about the crisis faced by the shelter and hopes to usher in a wave of adoptions and fosterings.