Calgary Humane Society operating at capacity

The Calgary Humane society is full and has actually been over capacity for most part of this year.

Director of Public Relations Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons says this summer has been particularly difficult with the level of surrenders that are being requested.

“We do receive about 30 to 40 inquiries about surrender every day,” she said. “Most of those people do end up on a wait list which we triage and then bring in the most urgent.”

The shelter is over capacity, with 22 dogs being admitted recently in an emergency intake, needing medical attention. The cat population is also high with about 120 cats under their care.

“Part of the problem I think this year has just been the high amount of people that are needing to seek surrender due to no pet housing or the increase in cost of care of owning animals and unexpected medical bills as well,” Fitzsimmons said.

She explains the cost now for dog care reaches $2,500 a year and $1,800 a year for cats.

For this, the Calgary Humane Society offers an adoption package which provides complimentary pet insurance for the first six weeks that can be converted into an ongoing pet insurance to help cover veterinarian bills.

But, that’s not the only problem.

“Last year, in a 12-month period we took in about 65 animals for no pet housing,” Fitzsimmons said, “And this year in a six-month period we’ve taken over 170 and so that number is more than doubled and will probably be over the 300 mark come the end of December.”

Still, there are some who are willing to give the little buddies a home and encourages others to do the same.

“My daughter has convinced me that rescuing is the best, you know, it’s the kindest and the best for society and to give this dogs a home, a loving home,” said Michelle Fisher, who was at the humane society to adopt a dog.