Sioux Falls Humane Society Faces Capacity Challenges, Seeks Community Support
The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (SFAHS) is currently grappling with notable challenges, primarily due to being at capacity for dogs. The organization has turned to the community for assistance in managing the influx of animals needing care.
Capacity Crisis: Dogs in Need
Animal shelters serve as vital sanctuaries for pets awaiting new homes. However, the sheer volume of animals requiring shelter presents ongoing difficulties. Currently, the SFAHS is facing a critical situation with its dog population.
Did you know?
Owner surrenders are a growing trend, placing increased strain on animal shelters and rescue organizations. This makes community support even more crucial.
Executive Director Jami Gates Grieve emphasized the urgency of the situation: We have 122 dogs right now and we know that there’s more coming in, so we just need the community’s help.
creative Solutions and community Programs
To address the space limitations and provide adequate care, the SFAHS has implemented several innovative strategies:
- Staff members house pets in their offices.
- Pop-up kennels are utilized to maximize space.
- The Rescue Dog Recess program allows fosters to temporarily take animals out, providing them with much-needed breaks and socialization.
Gates Grieve explained, We just get creative. All of our staff have pets in their office, we have pop-up kennels and we have a new program Rescue Dog Recess were fosters take out the animals. We figure out how to help them all.
Community Food Bank: A Lifeline for Pets
The Humane Society also operates a Community Food Bank to assist community members struggling to feed their pets. Though, this resource is also facing challenges.
Pro Tip
Donating pet food, even small amounts, can substantially impact the Humane society’s ability to support pet owners in need and prevent further owner surrenders.
According to Gates Grieve, The shelves are getting bare because we are helping the community with their pet food needs and so any donations that folks have, they can drop them off and everything makes a difference.
The need for donations is critical to sustain this vital service.
Adoption Incentives and Community engagement
To encourage adoptions, the Humane Society is offering a special promotion this weekend: $20 off adoption fees for those who mention the phrase Treat yourself.
Beyond adoption, community members can contribute by:
- Spreading the word about available animals.
- Sharing social media posts to increase visibility.
- Attending the adoption event on Saturday.
Gates Grieve emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating that even those unable to adopt can definitely help by spreading the word and sharing their social media posts.
The Reward: Finding Forever Homes
Despite the challenges, the SFAHS remains dedicated to its mission of providing second chances to animals in need. The ultimate goal is to see these animals placed in loving, permanent homes.
It is indeed so meaningful to be able to work with the animals every day as we see them come in in a situation where they don’t have anyone and then we ultimately get to see them through their journey where they do find their forever home.
Jami gates Grieve, Executive Director, Sioux Falls Area Humane Society
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Involved
For more information on the adoption event, to donate, or to learn about other ways to support the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, visit their website: sfadopt.com.
