Animal shelter nears capacity, need for permanent homes ‘urgent’

Free adoption event at Animal Resource Center set for Feb. 16.

As fewer animals are euthanized at the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, its kennels are near capacity and the shelter is struggling to find permanent homes for adoptable pets, according to the county.

The need is “urgent,” according to a call put out Wednesday by Bob Gruhl, interim director of the Animal Resource Center (ARC).

“Our citizens care deeply about animal welfare. We’re hoping we can activate that support system and get as many of these dogs into their permanent homes as soon as possible,” Gruhl said.

RELATED: Animal shelter shows dramatic drop in euthanasia rate

A shelter count shows the ARC began January with 148 dogs and 18 cats and ended the month 179 dogs and 27 cats.

The shelter has come under scrutiny in the past for a low live-release rate, a benchmark that has improved in the months following an independent review of the facility and the replacement of its longtime shelter director.

Last month, an adjusted total of 23 dogs and 5 cats were euthanized at the shelter due to untreatable conditions or on request of an owner. During January 2018, those respective numbers stood at 98 and 36.

MORE: Critics target Montgomery Co. Animal Resource Center for animal deaths

Shelter employees are currently working with area rescues and other organizations to find suitable housing for all available pets.

“Our goal is to find loving homes for all these pets,” Gruhl said. “We’re looking to the community to help us spread the word.”

Dog adoptions from the Animal Resource Center cost $20, which includes spay or neuter, micro-chipping, initial vaccinations and the first-year license fee.

The ARC will host an adoption event on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the shelter. Citizens will be able to adopt for free, according to the county, which will provide further details.

The ARC is located at 6790 Webster Street in Dayton. Hours of operation for adoptions are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To see some of the animals available for adoption, check here.

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