The Castaic Animal Shelter is currently full, after the requirement for an appointment to surrender pets was unfortunately dropped. Due to this, there is an abundance of animals in danger and in need of a new home. People continue to dump their pets leaving the shelter with the difficult choice to euthanize the animals if not adopted. The stress of the situation is also putting strain on the volunteers and staff. Smaller dogs are being moved in smaller crates to adjust to the influx. Chief Information Officer of Animal Care and Control Shakeel Qazi tells us, “We do receive animals that are a public safety concern to the public, and then, unfortunately, we cannot house those rights. We cannot place them for adoption.” Although the upkeep of a pet may be difficult at times, it provides a sense of comfort for owners and provides them with a new best friend. 

In addition to this, NIH News In Health says, “Studies have also found that having a pet can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood”. The benefits of owning a pet are endless and everyone deserves the joy of a furry, or scale-y, best friend. 

In an effort to keep the adoptions coming to compete with the amount of surrenders, the Castaic Animal Care center is hosting an adoption event this Saturday, the 26th of may. For this event, the Care Center is collaborating with HART Park because of their hosting, Critter Fair. “So any opportunity we get to expose our animals, we definitely take advantage of that,” Qazi adds, “We do host adoption events here at the care center. We need some help with these animals, and that does help us tremendously.”

Nonetheless, the staff and volunteers are facing this capacity issue head on with passion. “What is your why? … Why do you wake up in the morning and say hey you know what this is what I’m gonna do for the rest of my life,” Qazi continues, “that’s what fulfills us.”