The Animal Rescue League of Iowa has cause to celebrate: Adoption rates at the shelter are up 12 percent so far in 2007, and animal intake numbers have not increased. Shelter staff members said that shelter satellite locations have helped increase adoptions, while awareness of pet overpopulation and spay and neuter programs have contributed to the plateau in animal intakes.
“We are still a long way from solving the pet overpopulation crisis in central Iowa,” said Tom Colvin, ARL executive director. “But we can celebrate a move in the right direction. We believe our many programs that are designed to target the causes of pet overpopulation and pet homelessness are making a difference.”
Colvin said the public can continue to help control pet overpopulation by doing the following:
- Spay or neuter your pets. Litters or puppies and kittens account for nearly half of the animal intakes at the shelter this time of year, Colvin said.
- Make a lifetime commitment to your pet. The ARL has several programs to help families who are facing challenges with their pets, including behavior counseling and training classes.
- Supervise your pets. Don’t allow your pets to roam free, as this can leave them vulnerable to injury or death.