Surge in Pet⁤ Surrenders at Twin Cities Shelters

The animal shelters ‍across ⁤the Twin Cities are reporting a significant ‍increase in pet surrenders ‍from local residents.

“We’ve noticed a⁢ gradual rise over the ⁢past ‍few years, but recently, especially within the last two to three months, it has escalated dramatically,” stated Kerry D’Amato, executive director of Pet Haven Rescue located in St. Paul.

D’Amato announced that thay‌ have temporarily halted accepting surrendered pets⁣ due to overwhelming demand.

“We had ‌to close our intake process and stop taking calls because we are inundated with requests. Once we manage through our current list, we will reopen it; though, we quickly find ourselves overwhelmed again,” explained D’Amato. “Currently, ⁣we’re fostering nearly 400 animals when ⁤our‍ ideal capacity is‍ around 300.”

The ⁤Situation at Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC)

The Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) is also experiencing an‍ uptick⁤ in pet surrenders.

“We are definitely operating at full capacity,” remarked Tony Schendel,director of MACC. “We receive multiple calls daily for assistance; right now we’re about a month behind trying to help people find option resources.”

This organization is not only dealing with regular surrenders ‌but also an‍ influx from cases involving hoarding and⁤ animal cruelty situations. Just last week alone,⁣ MACC rescued over ⁢thirty cats from one location.

The Impact⁢ of Financial Strain on Pet Ownership

“We’re encountering situations where hoarding occurs,” Schendel noted. “Additionally, many community members have reached out stating they can no longer afford their ⁤pets’ care.”

D’Amato echoed these sentiments by highlighting that financial ​difficulties are driving many owners to surrender their⁣ pets at Pet Haven Rescue as well.

“What we’re hearing most often is ​that people simply lack the financial means necessary for pet care,” ⁣D’Amato shared.

Community‍ Support Initiatives for Pets and ⁣Owners alike

The ‍North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center stands out as one organization actively addressing this crisis by providing food supplies for both dogs⁣ and cats to struggling owners. Some food donations can be found at a dedicated shelf within MACC’s facility—an initiative aimed at keeping families together ⁢with their beloved pets.

Both D’Amato and Schendel encourage community involvement through fostering or volunteering efforts.