KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - KC Pet Project reported just two open kennels remaining last Friday after a successful adoption event that saw 140 dogs find new homes. The shelter offered free adoptions for large breed dogs, which provoked a strong response from the community. Caity Lothamer, the senior marketing and communications director for KC Pet Project, stated, “We were able to get 130 large breed dogs adopted. And we had 10 small breeds go home.”
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The initiative was in partnership with Hills, which provided pet parent kits, including a 15-pound bag of dog food, along with waived adoption fees for the large dogs. However, the shelter's relief was short-lived, as 118 new dogs were taken in shortly thereafter. "This morning, we’re sitting at 45 open kennels, but we still need help," Lothamer said.
The increase in dog intake is attributed to various factors, including good weather prompting more strays to roam and ongoing owner surrenders due to financial or housing challenges. Lothamer emphasized the shelter's efforts to support families by providing food and resources to keep pets with their owners.
As an open admission shelter for the city, KC Pet Project continuously accepts animals. Lothamer encouraged community members to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate to assist in managing the influx. The shelter also features a short-term foster program and a “dog day out” initiative, designed to help dogs experience life outside the shelter and enhance their visibility for potential adopters.
Abby Hale visited the shelter Monday, hoping to find a companion for her dog. She and her family learned about the adoption event while attending a nearby party. Hale expressed her feelings about the high number of dogs at the shelter, describing it as “super sad,” and urged anyone contemplating adoption to give it a chance: “You never know what you’ll find.”
In a related effort, six metro shelters, including KC Pet Project, are hosting Mega Match, a three-day adoption event from Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11, offering pets for adoption at $25 each, with a regional goal of adopting out 700 pets.