Beaufort County Animal Services says shelter reaching max capacity

BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC. (WTOC) - Beaufort County Animal Services is asking for the community’s help in finding homes for their dogs and cats.

The shelter is nearing its capacity and can’t accept new dogs without the current ones finding a new home.

WTOC spoke with the shelter about why adoptions are down this summer.

Normally, during the summer, Beaufort County Animal Services sees an uptick in the number of adoptions and new dogs entering the shelter.

But this year, they are seeing the opposite, and their animals are left without a place to go.

Over 100 animals call Beaufort County Animal Services home, but what is supposed to be a short-term stay has been extended for many.

“It’s just kind of scary at this point because we have dogs in crates in the hallway and nowhere else for them to go,” Head of Adoptions and Fosters for Beaufort County Animal Services, Kimberly Caffero said.

These extended stays have become a common theme over the past few months, and the shelter is now at max capacity.

“We’re not able to take in owner surrenders, so if something traumatic happens to somebody right now, I don’t have a place to take in their dog,” Caffero said.

The shelter has asked other rescue organizations for help, but they are running into the same problem.

“Nobody has space.”

Caffero says that factors like the cost of living, vet care, prevention, and supplies to care for the animals have gone up, making it tougher for people to adopt.

Leaving the shelter to house the animals for a longer period of time, while trying to make sure they have the supplies on hand to care for them.

“We can’t even keep up with getting the supplies promptly.”

Now, they are calling on people to consider adopting or fostering a pet, but if they can’t do that, at least get their animal spayed or neutered.

“If you can’t afford an animal, don’t get one.”

If you are interested in adopting or fostering a pet, click here or you can give them a call at (843) 255-5010.

Beaufort County Animal Services is also open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.