‘Desperately need our community’s help’: Wichita humane society needs dogs adopted
There are more dogs than spaces available at the Kansas Humane Society in Wichita, causing the nonprofit to plea for people to come and find their family pet — or even better, pets.
The humane society hopes their reduced adoption fees will incentivize anyone thinking about getting a dog.
KHS spokesperson Jordan Bani-Younes said the city-run Wichita Animal Shelter is also at capacity for dogs. The two shelters work together and are at the same campus on Hillside, just south of K-96. The Wichita shelter takes in strays, and if those dogs have the right temperament for adoption, they are brought over to the humane society.
The animal shelter is, on average, bringing in 19 dogs a day. But the humane society is only averaging 11 dog adoptions per day. The humane society also takes in surrendered pets, done by appointment only.
“These intake numbers are the highest we’ve seen in a decade, partially caused by the halt in spay/neuter services during COVID-19,” Bani-Younes said in a news release, adding they have been struggling with capacity issues for a year. “Essentially, we’re fighting an uphill battle and we desperately need our community’s help.”
The animal shelter can house up to 170 dogs and the humane society up to 95, Bani-Younes said, adding that they had 96 Friday morning.
Adoption fees are $49 for adult dogs, pick-your-price on long-stay dogs and $149 for puppies under six months old. Normal prices are $189 for adults and $250 for puppies. Those prices are for most dogs — under special circumstances, like specific breeds, adoption fees cost more.
The reduced price includes spay or neuter surgery, microchip, vaccines and medications, which cost over $200, he said.
“Our goal is to help our local pets find their forever home and make their stay here as comfortable as possible,” Bani-Younes said. “We need people to adopt so that we can continue helping more animals.”
People not willing to adopt can also consider fostering or donating. Donations will help the humane society offset the losses of the reduced adoption fees.
Information on adopting, donating or fostering can all be found at kshumane.org or by calling 316-524-9196.
This story was originally published February 11, 2023 at 12:15 PM.