There seems to be an unexplained epidemic rise in the number of animals at the Sacramento City Shelter. Despite the extraordinary increase in adoptions at the end of the year, over 170 dogs sit waiting for new homes. All are stray or surrendered by their owners. Despite requests for help from rescue organizations, the supply exceeds the demand or capacity. Rescue partners are working feverishly to assist in saving the animals, but the real solution lies with our community. Sacramento residents are urged to consider adopting a shelter pet versus buying from a breeder. Pet sales on Craigslist.com serve as competition for shelter pets and often, unsuspecting adopters have no idea what they are getting.
In an effort to encourage shelter pet adoptions, the Sacramento City Shelter took a drastic step yesterday, offering a “Name Your Price” adoption special. Adopters are encouraged to make a donation they can afford when adopting a shelter pet. All animals come spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, licensed and vaccinated. Free ID tags are offered to anyone who needs one, along with free micro-chipping to anyone who may have lost a pet that ended up at the city shelter. Incredible outreach efforts are under way to educate Sacramento residents on the value of adopting a shelter pet.
The alternative is euthanizing for space and we simply do not want to do that. It is a new generation of sheltering in Sacramento and the only way to save lives is to enlist the support of our community.
The Sacramento City Shelter is located at:
2127 Front Street
Hours: Wednesday – Friday
12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
The “Name Your Price” campaign will remain in effect until February 12, 2012. Help by “Liking” City of Sacramento Animal Care Services on Facebook.