The number of pets surrendered by their owners is increasing, according to local rescue organizations.
13ABC
(WTVG) TOLEDO, Ohio – The number of dogs surrendered by their owners is increasing dramatically at certain local shelters and rescue organizations. As a result, they're attempting to spread the message that there's lots of assistance available.
Colleen Kane has volunteered at Planned Pethood for many years. Over the years, she has fostered over 250 dogs for the rescue. "We've seen a lot of pets abandoned by their owners in the previous six months to a year."
Colleen's current foster dogs are Sheba and King. Their owners had both relinquished them. "Our dogs continue to get adopted promptly. I have a dog for around two weeks on average. But they come in and leave at the same time. There's always someone else who needs help. There have been a number of owners waiting to surrender their dogs recently."
Many believe the pandemic is to blame for the increase, but Colleen assures Planned Pethood adopters that there is a long-term support structure in place. "Don't give up, don't panic, and don't feel that you have no choice but to surrender your dog." They are time-consuming and difficult, but there are many individuals ready to assist. I tell everyone who adopts a dog from one of my foster homes that I am always available to help, and I mean it."
There are several options available in our community for pet owners who require assistance. One of them is Toledo's PET Bull Project. Every month, the non-profit helps hundreds of individuals feed their animals, among other things.
The Director is Cindy Reinsel. "Our first focus will always be to assist you in keeping your pet. We provide low-cost grooming and training, as well as free training in parks throughout the summer months and the Toledo area's biggest pet food bank. Every month, we assist roughly 600 people in feeding their dogs."
In the neighborhood, there are also low-cost vet and spay neuter facilities. In just one year, Humane Ohio spayed or neutered almost 17,000 animals. "Reach out to us if you're having trouble in any manner." "We'd be pleased to attempt to find a solution for you to maintain your pet and inform you of all the services available in our community," Cindy adds.
