ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Local shelters across the Roanoke Valley region urge the community to consider adopting a dog to enhance your summer crew, as adoption numbers are rapidly falling across the Roanoke Valley and surrounding region.
Leaders with the Angels of Assisi and the Regional Center for Animal Care & Protection (RCACP) met to discuss the concerning decline in adoption numbers, particularly in canines. Despite this trend, organizers with the shelters say the number of dogs entering the shelters continues to increase.
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At Angels of Assisi alone, 256 dogs have already entered the organization’s care so far this year. Organizers say this stresses the limited resources available within the shelter. “This isn’t just something one shelter is experiencing. We’re seeing it across our entire region,” said Ethan Claridge, Director of Adoptions. “Dogs are staying in shelters longer, while more continue arriving every week.”
Potential adopters are reminded that shelters are full of dogs of every breed, size, age,and temperament. People can find their next hiking buddy, a small breed, or a laid-back senior dog who wants to finish their life in a comfortable, loving home.
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Angels of Assisi says their adoptable dogs receive extensive veterinary care before adoption, including getting fixed, a full examination, microchipping, and shots. The goal is to make adopting a dog financially accessible. To further carry out this mission, the shelter says if a newly adopted pet becomes sick within 10 days of adoption, they will cover the cost of treatment. This is only if the dog is taken to the organization’s Community Pet Clinic, where adopters are able to use the clinic’s low-cost veterinary services long after adoption…