Since the pandemic, more people have relinquished their pets due to inflation and the cost of veterinary care, placing a huge strain on local animal shelters. Now, local shelter leaders are calling for more hands on deck and more adoptions.
Jeff Dorson, Founder & Executive Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, joined WWL’s Tommy Tucker to discuss the issues at hand.
“A lot of animal shelters have been in distress for several years. Once the pandemic lifted, people were going back to work, inflation set in, so every shelter in our state and in our rescue group is overwhelmed with too many intakes and not enough adoptions or transports,” noted Dorson.
Financial reasons seem to be the driving force behind animals being turned over to shelters lately. “With inflation setting in, people don’t have the money for food or veterinary care, so they’re relinquishing their animals. We need others to step in to adopt these animals and help fill the gap,” Dorson added.
If you aren’t in need of a furry friend or don’t have room for another one in your home, Dorson also emphasized that volunteers of all kinds are needed at the Humane Society. “If you’re an accountant or an attorney, you can always help your local groups strengthen their programs and services. Or just walk some dogs. Go ahead and spend some time helping to socialize them. It all makes a difference,” he told WWL’s Tommy Tucker.
Another way you can help your local animal shelter, according to Dorson, is by helping animals during the rehab process.
“An atypical way you might be able to help is by considering becoming a wildlife rehabber,” Dorson implored listeners of the station. “We hardly have any rehabbers in our city, and none whatsoever for birds. If that’s of interest to you, please contact us and we can let you know how to become a licensed rehabber,” he went on to add.
While it may require patience and effort, Dorson emphasizes how necessary the services of a wildlife rehabilitator are in the state of Louisiana. “We helped pass a bill two years ago that allows those interested to take an online course to become a licensed rehabber,” he noted. “You’re going to have to study for it and be prepared to take in injured animals in your home. The state doesn’t provide all these wonderful wildlife sanctuaries like people think,” Dorson emphasizes.