BARCS Hoping To Find Forever Homes For Influx Of Dogs

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Center, known as BARCS, is dealing with an overwhelming number of dogs.

George Solis explains where they're all coming from, and how the public can help.

Within the last two days, the shelter has taken in more than 100 dogs. A large part of the problem is the weather.

Hundreds of dogs without homes cry and yelp inside BARCS. While it's not unheard of for shelters to get slammed from time to time, the last two days at the shelter have been particularly challenging.

WJZ got a firsthand look at why.

"These are our small kennels," said volunteer manager Laura Griffiths. "We get a lot of stray animals in because a lot of people will leave their dogs out to go to the bathroom and they'll get out of the house."

And when Animal Control comes looking, if your pet is lacking food, water or shelter, chances are, they'll end up at BARCS.

"Sometimes they choose to relinquish ownership to the shelter. It just kind of depends," Griffiths said.

Altogether, the shelter estimates it has taken in more than 100 dogs in the last two days. Each one needs its own space. Some are only there for short stays; others aren't so lucky.

"Sometimes, seniors are harder to adopt out," said Griffiths.

BARCS is also an open-admission shelter, which means even if it is full, it's still taking on dogs and other pets, too. Shelter staff and volunteers have also been working round the clock.

The priority is to get every one of these animals into a forever home. In the meantime, they get plenty of playtime and a chance to socialize. The hope is that more people choose to adopt this weekend.

"There's just that one that'll touch you, and you'll know," said Jo Dreer, who's adopting a new pet.

BARCS says word on social media has spread like wildfire. The hope is that at least 60 dogs will go home this weekend.

As the summer heats up, the shelter expects to see more dogs.