Overcrowded Shelter Needs Homes for Cats and Dogs
Amid an unprecedented surge in intakes, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter has exceeded its housing capacity and is now offering free adoptions in a bid to connect dozens of animals with new homes.
Officials say the shelter is seeing record numbers of dogs, cats, and kittens. In response, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation has stepped in to fully sponsor adoption fees, meaning residents can take home a pet at no cost.
Robert Silverstein, public services administrator for the Santa Monica Police Department, said, “The shelter has a reputation for providing great care to the animals and doing our best to place them regardless of the amount of time spent at the shelter.”
“Our shelter is completely full,” the Foundation said in a public statement. “We’ve never seen this many animals in our care. It’s urgent, we need the community’s help.”
Located at 1640 9th Street, Santa Monica, the shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from 12–1 p.m. for lunch). Those interested in adopting can browse available pets at www.smasf.org/smshelter or call (310) 458-8595 for more information.
Staff say the shelter is currently filled with puppies, dogs, cats, and kittens, all waiting to be adopted into permanent, loving homes. Doubling up kennels and running short on space, they hope the fee waiver will ease the strain and reduce the animal population quickly.
Both the shelter and SMPD urge anyone who cannot adopt to share the news to help them find homes for these lovable animals.
