The city's pound is nearly at capacity for dogs and has lowered adoption fees for adult and senior dogs in hopes of freeing up more space.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Animal Pound Services is nearing capacity for canine companions, and as such is hoping to spread the word with a discount on adoption fees.
Part of the issue, says animal care lead Samantha Lole, is a lack of public awareness since the City of Medicine Hat took over pound services from APARC. Before the switch, many residents relied on the APARC Facebook page for updates, but many have not followed the new page to continue receiving news.
“I think a lot of people are confused right now. They don’t know where the building is, they don’t follow the Facebook page because the name has changed. But we’re still doing what we can to try and get some of these dogs adopted,” said Lole.
As of the time of writing, 18 of 21 permanent dog kennels are filled, including one kennel where two dogs are sharing due to a close bond, says Lole.
While APS will not turn away dogs that come into the shelter and do have temporary kennels that can be set up in the event it needs to, Lole is hoping to find some of these animals homes before it comes to that. Currently, APS is doing well in terms of staying below cat capacity, but Lole does eye the fact that kitten season is right around the corner.
Usually the numbers are reversed, says Lole, but with the high number of dog adoptions during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, things have started to shift.
In hopes of increasing adoptions, adoption fees for both adult and senior dogs are currently at a 25% discount. This sale will run until Feb. 28.
“There is an application process. We do want to make sure that these dogs end up in their forever homes, and, you know, they’re not back again next week because they didn’t fit in with the family,” said Lole. Those interested are encouraged to send APS a message on Facebook, or call 403-487-5671.
Even for those who are not currently seeking an animal companion, Lole encourages residents to ensure their animals are spayed or neutered as well as microchipped, and ensure the microchip information is up to date to help facilitate swift reunions.
APS is located at 3184 Gershaw Dr. SW, just past the airport. Lole warns that the building does not currently have signage.
