Chatham County Rescue works to reduce overcrowding at local shelters

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - For many pet owners facing financial hardship, surrendering a beloved animal can feel like the only option. A Chatham County nonprofit is working to make sure it isn’t.

One Love Animal Rescue is partnering with local animal shelters and pet owners to reduce pet surrenders, ease overcrowding, and keep animals in their homes whenever possible.

“They are being surrendered daily. They are being cut off the street daily,” said Karrie Bulski, co-founder of One Love Animal Rescue.

Founded in 2013, the nonprofit relies entirely on donations and volunteers to support animals once they enter the shelter system. In some cases, the organization pulls pets from shelters to provide medical care, training, and help finding permanent homes.

In 2019, One Love Animal Rescue launched Operation Pet Solutions, a program focused on preventing pet surrenders caused by financial strain or unexpected life challenges. Bulski said the organization saw a noticeable increase in surrenders following the COVID-19 pandemic as many pet owners returned to work, a trend that has continued.

“Our shelters are in a devastating status where there are so many animals in need,” Bulski said.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 29% of pets were surrendered nationwide in 2024. Chatham County Animal Services confirmed local shelters have recently experienced overcrowding.

To help address the issue, One Love Animal Rescue provides pet food, dog houses, leashes, fencing assistance, and spay and neuter resources to families struggling to care for their animals.

“So families that are going through hardships or can no longer feed their animal, maybe there’s a medical issue going on, maybe we’re getting unwanted litters in the house because the dogs are not spayed and neutered,” Bulski said. “Maybe families are running into trouble because their dogs are escaping out of the yard, so a fence needs to be repaired.”

Last year, the organization hosted a vaccine clinic at Daffin Park in Savannah, offering free pet food, essential vaccines, and spay and neuter vouchers to the community. Volunteers also assist by building and delivering dog houses and cat shelters made from donated or purchased materials.