Humane Society of Wicomico County urgently seeks adopters and foster families
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. — The Humane Society of Wicomico County is calling on the community to help as the shelter faces severe overcrowding.
On Wednesday, the Humane Society of Wicomico County announced on Facebook that it is significantly over capacity and needs the community’s help with adoptions and fostering. Executive Director Kim Nock said the shelter’s staff has been working to care for the growing number of animals, but more dogs need to leave the shelter.
“Our community is absolutely wonderful, and they have stepped up every time,” Nock said. “But we have to get dogs out of the shelter.”
Nock said the number of animals at the shelter has made it difficult for staff to keep up with the amount of cleaning required. She also said overcrowding can negatively affect the animals’ mental well-being. The shelter is asking people who are able to adopt or foster to step up. Nock said people who cannot take an animal into their home can still help by coming to the shelter to walk the dogs and give them exercise.
For those interested in fostering, the Humane Society covers the necessary expenses.
“We will provide all of that,” Nock said, referring to food and other supplies. “We will provide all their shots and any vet care that they need while they’re out in foster.”
Nock said some foster families choose to purchase their own food and supplies as a personal contribution, but the shelter will provide those items if needed. Fostering also comes with responsibilities. Nock said foster families are expected to help promote the animals and bring them in to meet potential adopters when the shelter receives applications.
The shelter’s current overcrowding follows an influx of animals from four separate animal seizures over the past eight months, according to Nock. WMDT reported on the most recent Animal Welfare Investigation in Wicomico County earlier in September.
“We have over 90 dogs right now,” Nock said.
The shelter is designed to comfortably house about 42 to 45 dogs. When the number exceeds that capacity, staff must use crates, isolation areas and outdoor kennels to accommodate the animals. Nock said the shelter does not want to rely on outdoor kennels, particularly with colder weather approaching.
“It’s fine right now with the weather the way it is, but it’s going to very soon be getting cold,” Nock said.
The Humane Society also offers a food pantry for people struggling to keep their pets. However, Nock said the shelter currently does not have any available kennel space.
The shelter is encouraging community members to consider adopting, fostering or volunteering to walk dogs as it works to reduce the number of animals in its care.
If you would like to donate to the Humane Society of Wicomico County check out their website.
