ST. CLOUD, Fla. — Osceola County Animal Services is over capacity, officials say.
Although there is space inside the facility for pets, the staff needed to care for the animals is limited.
What You Need To Know
- Osceola County Animal Services has 156 animals at its shelter but only enough workers to care for 140
- The shelter needs more employees and volunteers, officials say
- Owners are giving up pets due to housing restrictions, evictions and high costs for care, officials say
Shelter staff members and volunteers were caring for 156 animals as of Tuesday, but the facility only has capacity for 140.
“We have more animals than we have staff ability to care for everybody, so a lot of times, dogs stay in their kennels longer,” said Lauren Morgan, an Osceola County Animal Services program specialist. “They don’t get as long (for) walks.”
People are surrendering their dogs primarily because they’re moving to places that do not permit their pets’ breeds or sizes, said Morgan, who works with volunteers and dogs. Evictions, medical concerns and difficulty affording pet food or veterinary care costs are other key factors, she said.
According to a county spokesperson, many people also move away or find themselves homeless.
The best way to help the shelter is by volunteering, Morgan said.