Columbia animal shelter hosting emergency adoptions amid capacity crisis. What to know
A local animal shelter is holding an emergency adoption special until further notice to help save more pets from euthanasia amid an overcapacity crisis.
Palmetto Lifeline, a Columbia nonprofit animal rescue organization, stated in a Tuesday press release that every one of its kennels was full and that many dogs were being housed in crates.
As such, the organization is on hold for intake, meaning it cannot save any more animals from euthanasia at municipal shelters in the Midlands until it finds homes for pets in its care.
To encourage adoptions, Palmetto Lifeline has significantly reduced adoption fees.
- Dogs 35 pounds and up are now $50.
- Cats are now $50.
- Kittens are now $75 or adopt two for $125.
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Palmetto Lifeline’s call for aid comes more than two weeks after Columbia Animal Services announced its shelter was filled to capacity with dogs and urged the public to help through adoption.
According to its website, Columbia Animal Services does euthanize animals. The site notes, however, that animal services is working toward ending euthanasia of adoptable pets through “an aggressive spay/neuter program.”
Fostering is also a way to open up kennels and help save more lives, Palmetto Lifeline states. The nonprofit provides food, medical care, and supplies for their fosters.
“We were one of the few organizations that stayed open during COVID. We have worked with other organizations to achieve an 85% live release rate in the Midlands,” Denise Wilkinson, CEO of Pawmetto Lifeline, said in the press release. “Please, if you are in a position to adopt or foster a kitten, dog, or cat, step up and help us get closer to our goal of a No-Kill status in the Midlands.”
Pawmetto Lifeline is open for adoptions Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m., with the last meet-and-greet at 5:30 p.m. It is recommended to complete an adoption application online before your visit at www.pawmettolifeline.org to reduce wait times.
Visit pets available for adoption at the Columbia Animal Shelter, 127 Humane Lane. Visit www.columbiasc.net/animal-services or call 803-776-PETS (7387) for more information.
