New Policies Aim to Reduce Shelter Crowd

For reasons that vary from family to family, the decision to surrender Fluffy or Tabby has to be an excruciating one. Pets have a way of becoming an important part of the family and turning that pet over to the local animal shelter is never easy.

These days, the often tearful decision is based on simple economics. If the family income is approaching the point that it’s either food for the children or food for the pet, the decision becomes a little easier.

The Lynchburg Humane Society, however, has begun a new program that basically asks families who are about to surrender their pet to think about it more carefully. In deciding to charge pet owners a fee for accepting the animal, society officials want families to consider options other than adding another animal to the animal shelter’s already crowded facilities.

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“What we are doing is asking people to work with us,” said Makena Yarbrough, director of the humane society’s shelter. “We’re saying, ‘We’re full here. Please help us find a home for your pet.’”

Yarbrough said last week that the shelter was caring for about 55 dogs and more than 140 cats. That’s “way too many animals,” she said.

Yarbrough and shelter staff members deserve credit for adopting a policy of not euthanizing healthy animals simply for lack of space. “I think it’s great our staff is willing to take on the extra responsibility of caring for all of these animals because no one wants to euthanize a healthy animal,” the director said.

But, beginning this week, the humane society hopes to reduce the number of animals the shelter takes in by conducting pet surrenders by appointment only. That will give the staff time to talk to the owners and attempt to address the problems causing them to consider giving up their pet.

The society offers several support programs for struggling pet owners, including free pet food and discounts on spaying and neutering. The society also will help owners find a new home for their pet.

If an owner still wants to give up the animal, the shelter will charge a fee of $20 per animal or $40 per litter of kittens or puppies. That money will be used to offset the cost of caring for the animals.

Yarbrough emphasized that the new policies are aimed at helping families keep their pets. “We want to do what’s in the best interest of the animal,” she said. “We don’t want people to be scared about this. We want to be supportive of pet owners.”

The director said the new policies will be implemented gradually to give the community a chance to acclimate. She added that once people begin to “realize the shelter is not the best place for their pet, that it’s better to find them a permanent home, then they will take those extra steps. Most people want to do what’s best for their pets.”

Let’s hope she’s right. At the same time, let’s hope that more and more families will reconsider the decision to give up their pets. In that, Fluffy and Tabby — along with the humane society’s crowded animal shelter — will be the real beneficiaries.