Animal shelter is empty for the first time in history after every dog was adopted

The shelter, which has never known a moment when all of its kennels weren’t full of stray and abandoned dogs, celebrated the good news on Facebook with an upbeat video of its employees clapping. For the first time in its existence, a Florida animal sanctuary celebrated an unusual occurrence when one of its three kennels was rendered completely empty.
Friends of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control’s staff and volunteers celebrated the extraordinary achievement this week by thanking everyone whose hard work, dedication, and support made it possible. The shelter, which has never known a moment when all of its kennels weren’t crammed with stray and abandoned dogs, celebrated the good news on Facebook with an upbeat video of its employees cheering.

Today, something fantastic and joyful occurred… We have entirely vacated one of our three dog kennels for the first time in the history of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control! This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the participation and support of our entire community! Thank you to the shelter staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to care for, find homes for, and advocate for the pets who come through our doors; thank you to our incredible foster parents who open their hearts and homes to thousands of pets each year; thank you to everyone who has chosen to adopt a shelter pet – whether from here or from any of the other amazing organizations out there; thank you to our placement partner organizations far and wide – without them, none of this would be possible; thank you to our placement partner organizations far and wide

The kennel, which has been the focus of attention, includes 48 dog runs, each with two dogs. “It was obviously a collaborative effort from the community.” The animals were given to foster homes, adopters, and partner rescue organizations, according to Elizabeth Harfmann, the shelter’s community outreach manager. “We’ve also observed a reduction in incoming animals, which has really helped.”

Lockdowns have given individuals more time to dedicate to a new pet, resulting in an increase in adoption applications at shelters around the country. Fostering or adopting a pet while self-quarantining could be good to the mental health of self-quarantined individuals in addition to aiding animal shelters. Cuddling and caressing a cat or dog for a few minutes, according to a research conducted by Washington State University and many others before it, can relieve stress. “If you don’t have a pet and are considering adopting one, now is the time to ‘try it on’ by fostering from a local shelter.” “People are needed to foster pets on a temporary basis in shelters and pet adoption centers across the country,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society.

“Keeping pets in the house is not only safe, but also useful, since they can provide consolation during a crisis.” “When the news from the outside world is disturbing, pet companionship has been proved to relieve stress and anxiety, helping individuals to feel calmer and more comfortable,” Castle told PEOPLE. Experts warn that as the epidemic has left many individuals without employment or sick and unable to care for their dogs, there will be an increase in people surrendering their pets.

“Everyone in the animal welfare field is bracing themselves,” said Anna Lai, marketing director of Muddy Paws, a New York-based group. Owner surrender appointments have been postponed at Friends of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control for the time being, save in emergency situations, and animals are still available for adoption. A total of 79 animals are now housed at the shelter, including 32 dogs, two cats, two horses, and a rooster. “We’re still overjoyed to see so many pets being adopted and fostered – not only in Palm Beach County, but across the country!” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “If you’re interested in fostering or adopting a dog or cat (and helping us reach our goal of emptying another kennel), please visit our website and submit one of the online applications: www.pbcgov.com/snap.”