REGINA - The Regina Humane Society (RHS) is currently facing an urgent space crisis for dogs.
The RHS is constantly seeing a larger number of intakes, with fewer adoptions.
"Last week, we had 28 dogs come in, but only saw 13 adoptions,” said Bill Thorn, RHS director of marketing and public relations.
At one point, the RHS had 65 dogs in their shelter, three over their capacity of 62. Thorn explained this number can be fluid as multiple smaller dogs can take up one kennel space.
Thorn said this problem goes all the way back to COVID-19.
"A lot of people were at home, so they started acquiring dogs," he said.
From breeding, Thorn said the RHS and other humane societies started seeing an increase in adoptions.
With factors like going back to work, rising cost of living, and more renters not allowing pets, Thorn said, "this has combined into a perfect storm for families not able to keep their pets."
From this, the RHS has seen an increase in the average time a dog has remained at the shelter.
"Previously, our average for a dog at the shelter was one week to 10 days. Now, that’s gone higher, probably has doubled."
Thorn admitted those numbers don’t seem high, but he noted some dogs have been at the shelter for over 100 days.
Being in a shelter for so long can affect a dog negatively, he said.
"They will start developing behavioural issues, acting out and becoming a little more aggressive."
In response to their crisis, the RHS has reduced its adoption fees to $75 for puppies, which are considered four months of age or younger. Meanwhile, fees for dogs are currently at $25. The fees include vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, tattoo, microchip and post-adoption veterinary exam.
Thorn said the fee reductions and call to the community for support have worked.
"We saw 36 dogs adopted and nine come in over the past four days," he said.
While the high adoptions have temporarily taken away the pressure, Thorn said the RHS could easily go over capacity again.
"We could see 20 or more dogs come in on any given day."
While Thorn encouraged residents to adopt a dog, he stressed the importance of education and understanding the needs of different breeds.
More information on adoptions can be
