BECKLEY, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – The Humane Society of Raleigh County (HSRC) is planning to hold a three-day adoption event next week.
According to Alexis Johnston, Social Outreach Coordinator at HSRC, the shelter is currently at maximum capacity and cannot accept any more animals until some are adopted. While the shelter likes to house roughly 75 animals at a time, it currently has 114 dogs and cats under its care.
“It allows us to spend more time with them each individually,” Johnston said when asked why 75 to 80 animals in the shelter’s sweet spot. “The ASPCA requires 15 minutes of interaction of just one-on-one time with each dog a day just for the sake of their mental health. Being in a kennel can really be a determent to their wellbeing over time.”
In addition to diminishing the animal’s mental stability, Johnston says dogs can even begin to exhibit anxious behavior if they don’t receive enough human interaction.
While the shelter does allow volunteers to come in and socialize with the animals, Johnston explained that they never want to get to a point where they have to rely solely on volunteers.
“Obviously we don’t want any of that to happen. That 75 to 80 mark allows our staff to continue to make sure all of our dogs are getting the attention they need.”
Johnston says the shelter hopes to help some of its animals find permanent homes next week during its three-day adoption event at the Crossroads Mall PetSmart. Johnston and volunteers will be set up on Tuesday, March 1, Thursday, March 3, and Saturday, March 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“My goal as long as I have enough hands to help is to have about six dogs a day out there,” Johnston shared.
HSRC will not be able to accept any more animals until they can find permanent homes for some of their current residents.