Foster animals to help clear Topeka shelter

TOPEKA (KSNT) — During the summer months, animal shelters around the country see a surge in pets coming to their doors.

On average, the Topeka Helping Hands Humane Society (HHHS) holds around 530 animals every month. During the summertime, that number rises exponentially. Hundreds of dogs and cats are brought to the shelter in hopes of finding a family.

"For us especially, in summertime, like right now we're really seeing it, litters of kittens are just coming in left and right," Emi Griess, HHHS Communications Coordinator said. "That's pretty much the cycle every year."

The surge in animals arriving can quickly overcrowd the shelter. Griess says when the shelter reaches its capacity with animals, some tough decisions have to be made.

"There are medical and behavioral situations that we feel it's in the best interest of the community and the animal to choose euthanasia," Griess said. "It just gets harder when we're at capacity, because the more animals we have together, the more easily germs can spread. We might see more animals get sick, they're a little more stressed as well. It can get noisier and they have to stay here longer when we're full."

However, there is a solution to keep animal shelters from overcrowding. June is National Foster A Pet Month, and the Humane Society encourages fostering for all pet owners in Topeka.

"Foster programs are super helpful for humane societies," Griess said. "It helps us because there are animals in situations that need slightly longer-term care and maybe specialized care that's gonna be better in a home than in a shelter before they're ready for adoption."

To foster an animal from HHHS, you can walk in during business hours or fill out an application online to start the process.

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