Animal Services Shelter, Humane Society Overcrowded

Half Price Adoptions from June 1^st-17^th

A daily census of more than 500 animals at the City of El Paso Animal Services shelter and a maximum capacity at the Humane Society of El Paso’s facility has led to overcrowding, putting healthy, adoptable animals at risk.

In light of this situation, these organizations are reaching out to the community for immediate assistance to help adopt and find permanent homes for these shelter pets.  The City’s rescue partners also are working to transfer animals from the City shelter to get them fostered or adopted.

Shelter overcrowding issues are very serious, and action during the next few weeks is imperative. Without the community’s assistance there is no other choice than for Animal Services to humanely euthanize adoptable pets. Historically the number of animals entering the facility rises during the late spring and early summer months. The past few weeks, the shelter has experienced unprecedented, daily high census figures.

“We do not want to euthanize healthy dogs and cats,” said Kurt Fenstermacher, Deputy Director of the City’s Environmental Services Department. “It would be terribly heartbreaking. We are working as fast and as hard as we can to increase our live release rate and we appreciate all the countless hours and help from our rescue groups. But right now, it’s not enough and we are asking the community to help us with this emergency.”

In an effort to increase adoptions, the City and the Humane Society will cut their adoption prices in half, from $100 to $50. This fee includes spay/neuter procedure required on any animal exiting the facility, rabies vaccination, registration and age-appropriate vaccinations to be in compliance with city ordinance.  Pet adoptions can be made at the campus housing both the City shelter (5001 Fred Wilson) and the El Paso Humane Society (4991 Fred Wilson).

Adoption hours for Animal Services are from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Humane Society adoption hours are from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Animal Services is also working diligently to reunite lost/stray pets with their owners.

“This situation is not easy for anyone,” Fenstermacher said. “Not for our staff, the volunteers at the Humane Society or any partner organizations that we work with on a daily basis. The animals we receive are currently being assessed for a wide range of health issues. However, most will be available for adoption or rescue immediately.”