Pasco County Animal Services has paused intake of dogs and cats because the shelter has no room left. A sign at the shelter reads “Intake Pause.” Director Gary Herrero said the shelter’s maximum capacity for dogs is 152, but it currently houses 158 dogs.
Herrero said the last intake pause was caused by canine flu. This time, the cause is overcrowding. He said intakes have risen by about 40 to 60% as many families face financial strain.
“I mean when people are having a hard time deciding what items they need to buy in their home for their family between a box of cereal and a box of, you know, treats for their dog or dog food, then I think those are the harder decisions that people are facing today,” Herrero said.
The shelter must still reserve space for dangerous, neglected, injured and sick animals. “We are also in charge of public health and safety for every animal in the county,” Herrero said.
On Friday morning, at least two people came to the shelter to surrender their dogs. Neither agreed to speak on camera. Volunteers offered resources to help them keep their pets or referred them to other shelters. Herrero asked residents to call the shelter before considering surrender. He said staff can connect owners with rescue groups, low-cost veterinary care, or training and education.
Originally reported by ABC Action News
