The Farmington Regional Animal Shelter is appealing to the community for adoptions, fostering, and volunteer help as it consistently operates at capacity for stray dogs. October is recognized as National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, amplifying the shelter's call for more homes for animals in need.
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Community Programs Manager Amber Francisco noted that the shelter rarely has empty kennels. "We always stay at capacity. We’ve got some days, some months that are harder than others. We get more animals in than we get out," said Francisco. This situation occurs despite a population decline in San Juan County over the past decade, as the shelter has seen an increase in animal intakes.
Francisco emphasized the importance of foster homes, stating, "When we’re at capacity and we don’t have any empty kennels, I can put out a plea for fosters and get people to come in, and at least adopt or foster for a few weeks an adult dog. That helps us to bring in the strays that are coming in."
Among the dogs looking for homes this month are 1-year-old Archie, 3-year-old Cooper, and 2-year-old Bubba.
Longtime volunteer Cindy Garling highlighted the need for more volunteers to assist with daily responsibilities and outreach efforts regarding fostering and adoption. "I think the shelter always needs volunteers to help with what I had mentioned before, just the day-in, day-out duties, spreading the word for fostering, adopting," said Garling.
Volunteers can contribute by walking dogs, providing daily care, and participating in adoption events. The shelter has an online sign-up for those interested in volunteering or fostering.
Garling also urged pet owners to spay and neuter their pets to decrease the number of animals entering the shelter, stating, "Spay and neuter, spay and neuter, spay and neuter. That can’t be emphasized enough." The shelter hosts a public spay and neuter program every Tuesday.