Midland Animal Shelter faces another capacity crisis: Urgent call for community assistance

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - As of this morning, 158 dogs and 100 cats are still awaiting adoption. The number of animals coming into the shelter matches the number being adopted, leading to a “crisis mode” situation.

Just two months ago, local nonprofits rallied to support Midland Animal Services, successfully fostering over 140 dogs. However, this past week, Midland Animal Services is facing the same capacity issues with nearly 250 animals in need.

This situation is a harsh reminder of the ongoing need for responsible pet ownership in our community.

Melissa Griffin-Hobson, Director of Midland Animal Services, explains, “We do it based on anything that is sick or aggressive first, but unfortunately the way things are right now, it is healthy animals that are adoptable.”

Griffin-Hobson further elaborates, “We did clear the shelter back in April, after the distemper outbreak, with the help of local rescue organizations. Unfortunately, it’s 60 days later and we’re in the same position. Thankfully, everybody is healthy, but we need the community’s help getting these animals into loving homes.”

With almost 20 animals coming in each day, it has been hard on the staff to euthanize so many animals. “From that moment that animal comes in, it is assigned a staff member who takes care of it, who loves it, gets to know its personality, and then if we have to put it down two weeks later, mentally, it’s really hard,” Griffin-Hobson shares.

How Can You Help?

There are three options: adopt, foster, or volunteer.

Adopt: Each animal comes with a spay/neuter voucher, has received the first round of vaccines, is dewormed, and is ready to become part of a family. “We are getting in mommas and puppies, from four to ten puppies, and they just are overwhelming the shelter,” says Griffin-Hobson.

Foster: If you’re not ready to adopt, consider fostering. This temporary arrangement provides a safe and loving environment for an animal while it waits for its forever home. An application for fostering is available on the Midland Animal Services website, click here.

Volunteer: By offering your time and skills, you can significantly impact the lives of the animals in the shelter.

While this repeated call to action may be frustrating, saving these lives requires another extraordinary fostering and adoption effort. Midland Animal Services is urging the community to act with a sense of urgency.

Local support is crucial in ensuring these animals find the homes they deserve. Midland Animal Services asks the community to “Come together once again to make a difference.”

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