Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh puts hold on accepting non-emergency intakes
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is almost at capacity. They aren't taking non-emergency intakes of cats or dogs right now, meaning they're essentially not taking surrenders.
According to the animal group, they have about 230 animals in their care between the Homewood and North Side facilities. Last week, they took in more than 40 cats from several hoarding calls.
Some of the cats and dogs are still recovering. In some cases because of legal action, they can't be adopted yet either.
"Because they came in via hoarding cases and everything. Viewers might have remembered we had a large intake about a month ago of dachshunds," Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh Director of Marketing Michele Frennier said.
The group is still accepting strays. They want to stress that if you see an abandoned animal – call it in. Humane Animal Rescue is also looking for foster families for the animals. This way they can still get the care they need and free up some space.
"They help us get animals out of a stressful situation. The shelter can be very stressful, and it also helps those animals get better ultimately to be adopted," Frennier said at their Homewood facility.
Most of the animals in need of adoption are the cats. There is a higher population of them than dogs. The organization is looking at other ways to find them a home. One way is their Working Cats program, for cats who may be suited for something more than just being domesticated. They also are running a reduced rate for adult cats to help with adoption.
"It is letting them do the work that they do best, which is taking care of those pests," Frennier said.
With surrenders, Humane Animal Rescue says they will try to work with owners to do everything possible to keep the animal in their homes. They have resources for people who may be struggling.
"We really feel that if a pet is in a loving home, then that is the best place for it," Frennier said.
After a weekend with good numbers for dog adoptions, they hope to allow surrenders in a couple days. The group hopes cat adoptions will be on the up this week.
If you're interested in adopting or fostering, visit humaneanimalrescue.org for more information.
