The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is “facing severe space challenges” as it cares for an exceptionally large number of dogs and cats, the nonprofit animal care organization said in a news release on Thursday. The ARL, which has provided all of the City of Des Moines’ shelter services since 2005, is currently caring for “over 280 dogs and 800 cats daily, with dozens more arriving each day including over 100 new kittens each week.”
“We urgently need the community’s help to find loving homes for these pets so we can continue to answer the call for other animals who need temporary shelter,” according to ARL.
“Despite our team’s best efforts, adoptions aren’t keeping up with the nearly 60 pets coming in our doors every single day,” ARL CEO Tom Colvin said.
Pets available for adoption can be viewed at ARL’s site.
The ARL is also looking for more volunteers interested in fostering dogs and cats to help with its pet population boom.
“If you have a spare room or other space for a cat or dog to hang out — for either 1 week, 1 month, or however long you can help — the ARL will match you with a pet that fits your lifestyle and the other pets in your home (if applicable),” the ARL said.
ARL said it “will never turn away a pet in need,” but is asking pet owners thinking about surrendering their animal companions to reconsider and call its Pet Helpline for help and advice. The helpline number is 515-0262-9503.
In May, ARL announced it was dealing with a sudden and unprecedented surge in puppies at its shelter that was putting stress on its resources. The current space crunch is happening as ARL gets ready for the summer months, which typically see populations peak at the shelter.
ARL said donations “are desperately needed” in order to “help underwrite the cost of the food, supplies, and medical care provided for each animal.” Donations can be made online through the nonprofit’s site. Donations can also be made at any of ARL’s three locations.
In addition to financial support, ARL also needs “in-kind donations such as canned pumpkin, whipped cream, hot dogs, tuna, and meat-flavored baby food.”
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa was founded in 1926, and has grown into the largest nonprofit animal shelter in the state. In addition to providing shelter service for Des Moines, it also provides those services for other Polk County cities as well.
