Cleveland, OH – Since the Fourth of July, the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter has received only three dogs, but this number is anticipated to spike dramatically with the commencement of the county’s intake round-ups on Monday afternoon. Shelter officials expect an influx of 50 to 80 dogs over the next two weeks.
In anticipation of the holiday weekend, the shelter successfully rehomed 30 dogs to prepare for the expected surge in strays due to fireworks and festivities.
“We were able to find some wonderful homes for many of our dogs in anticipation for dogs that will be coming in from the fireworks,” said Mindy Naticchioni, Shelter Administrator at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter.
Naticchioni noted that early July is their busiest period, as many dogs run away or get lost due to fireworks and outdoor celebrations.
“We generally see over the next two weeks anywhere from 50 to 80 dogs come in. It becomes critical really quickly,” Naticchioni added.
For those who have lost their pets, owners can file a lost and found report on the shelter’s website. Dogs without identification are held for only three days, after which they can be adopted or transferred.
“After three days, it legally becomes our pet, and we can adopt and transfer it out. Dogs that come in with a 2024 dog license are held for two weeks, giving owners more time to locate their pets,” Naticchioni explained.
To manage the increased capacity, the shelter will launch another adoption event starting Monday, reducing adoption fees to free up kennel space for new strays as they search for their owners.
“This will also reduce adoption fees for those who don’t come to reclaim their pet so we can continue to make space so any stray dog that comes here has a kennel as we look for its owner,” said Naticchioni.
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