Contra Costa Animal Services is sounding the alarm as the shelter reaches maximum capacity, with more than 150 dogs currently in their care. The overcrowding puts urgent pressure on staff and volunteers to find safe, loving homes for the animals as quickly as possible. To encourage adoptions, the shelter is waiving all adoption fees, though a $25 licensing fee may still apply. Community members are invited to visit the shelter Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Those unable to adopt are still encouraged to help by signing up to foster. All necessary supplies are provided for foster homes, making it easy for residents to offer temporary care until a permanent placement is found. Sharing information about the shelter and available dogs on social media is another meaningful way to support the effort. For more information on adopting or fostering, visit the Contra Costa County website at Available Animals and Dog Foster Program.
I used to volunteer at an animal shelter and spent my time with the cats, it was a lot of fun. Id always miss the cats that got adopted but at the same time i was happy they found a home.
Euthanizing the pit bulls and pit bull mixes would open a lot of room for dogs that would make better and safer companions.
Ive known people that either hated pitbulls or loved them. No middle ground.
personally ive met some really sweet pitbulls.
Yeah, they’re sweet… Until they rip your kid’s face off !
Have to disagree. I have a pitbull mix adopted from Yolo County Animal Shelter. The sweetest and gentlest dog you can find, although not too smart. While looking for a dog, visited a few shelters and saw some pitbull mixes that clearly weren’t suitable for an average adopter, because they needed extensive rehabilitation and training. Not because of their breed, but because of their previous owners.
The real problem with the dogs of any breed from larger shelters – such as Contra Costa County with its 150 dog capacity – is that their behavior is never properly assessed. And, by the way, a lot of dogs in Contra Costa Shelter are German shepherd and husky mixes, who can be as difficult as pitbulls.
The dogs spend too little time with the staff and volunteers. Who take very brief notes, if any – and only concerning really aggressive behaviors.
And with the vast majority of cages inaccessible to potential adopters, there is no chance to observe personally how the dogs react to people walking by, other dogs being taken out, etc. Potential adopters are never left alone with a dog, and volunteers don’t have time for a longer walk around the shelter. Also most dogs are medicated – and adopters aren’t told about it. Nor do they get access to the private notes left by the staff.
So in the end adopters don’t have a foggiest idea about what kind of a dog they are really getting.
Well, euthanizing stupid people would make the word a better and safer placed, but we’re too highly evolved for that, and we certainly wouldn’t suggest it out loud.
Absolutely ! These shelters are chock full of pit bulls and pit bull mutts that no-one with any sense wants.
Having just lost my Cat, I’m assessing a next step. Haven’t had a dog in years. Much that will be happening next few months. Live right next to trail currently. Whatever I do it would be good fore to walk.
Mayor with that many dogs
I bet they could use some
Amazon help like you did
a while back
I’d get in on that again
if you can set it up.