Local animal shelters overcrowded due to kitten, puppy season

 BRISTOL, Ind. – It’s kitten and puppy season, and the new additions are overcrowding some local animal shelters.

Right now there are more than 440 animals at the Humane Society of Elkhart County, which is near capacity. Workers with the organizations say this is a normal problems during this time of year. The shelter says more than 500 animals are admitted per month during the spring and summer months. The problem also strains the shelter’s resources.

Janet Graham with the Humane Society of Elkhart County says the easiest way to fix this overflow of animals is to spay and neuter your animal.

Graham says 82 percent of animals that come to the shelter aren’t spayed or neutered.

“A cat is a great example, a cat that goes outside,” said Graham. “If it’s not altered, a cat can have a liter three times a year. A mom cat can have three liters, you know 24, 25 kittens a year. It multiplies quickly.”

To also help with this problem, the Humane Society of Elkhart County is offering reduced adoption fees. Throughout the rest of June, cats can be adopted for $10. Dogs can be adopted for $45. Normal adoption fees are $80 for cats and $170 for dogs. All animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccinations including rabies.

Graham says it’s common for other shelters in Michiana to offer similar deals.

“Pets are wonderful additions to the family,” said Graham. “They teach responsibility to the children. They give something for the family to bond over. They’re very therapeutic.”