Adoption event helps ease overcrowding at Southeast Missouri Pets
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)— Just days after Southeast Missouri Pets announced it had reached critical capacity, a weekend adoption event helped open kennel space and allowed the shelter to begin accepting more animals.
The shelter participated in the Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” campaign during National Adoption Week, offering reduced adoption fees of $25 for eligible pets. Executive Director Jen Farmer said the event made an immediate impact.
“We’re able to make a few calls and get some intakes in this week,” Farmer said.
While the event helped relieve some of the pressure, Farmer said the shelter remains over capacity and continues asking for patience from the community.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Southeast Missouri Pets relies entirely on donations to provide food, medical care and daily shelter for the animals it takes in.
Farmer said the shelter’s goal isn’t simply to increase adoptions but to make lasting matches between pets and their new families.
Employees work with potential adopters to learn about their lifestyles, homes and families before recommending an animal they believe is the best fit.
Even after a successful adoption event, Farmer said the demand for the shelter’s services has not slowed.
“We’re going to stay full, but we’re going to still ask for patience from the community,” Farmer said. “We are still over capacity.”
People who are unable to adopt can still support the shelter by fostering, volunteering or making a donation.
LEARN MORE: Southeast Missouri Pets at critical capacity, asks community for patience
