Every year, millions of companion animals find themselves in shelters across the United States. An astonishing 6.3 million animals, seeking safety, care, and loving homes, enter these shelters, as reported by the ASPCA®. In the face of this staggering number, hope emerges through the actions of companies like Subaru, determined to make a meaningful impact on the lives of shelter pets.
Subaru has established a distinguished reputation for its unwavering commitment to the well-being of all animals, including those residing in shelters. Through their Love Promise and Subaru Loves Pets™ initiative, Subaru retailers extend their reach nationwide, hosting adoption events that connect local shelter animals with caring families. Beyond hosting events, Subaru's influence extends to financial contributions, with over $42 million donated to national and local organizations. This substantial generosity has empowered Subaru to play a pivotal role in the adoption, rescue, transport, and healthcare of nearly 350,000 animals and pets.
Despite these commendable efforts, some shelters find themselves in dire circumstances. A poignant example is the Weber County Animal Shelter in Utah, where overcrowding has reached a breaking point. The shelter's adoption specialist, Lisa Weiss, shared the heartbreaking reality. The shelter was forced to confront an unthinkable decision – euthanizing over a dozen dogs if they weren't adopted by the end of the month.
The Weber County Animal Shelter has maintained a no-kill policy, and this predicament is an unprecedented challenge for them. With 111 dogs and only 90 kennels available, the heart-wrenching decision of euthanization loomed due to the lack of space. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adopting pets from shelters.
The question arises: why are shelters experiencing such severe overcrowding? The answer lies in a troubling trend. A growing number of people are abandoning their animals, leading to an influx of strays. Tragically, many of these strays remain unclaimed, exacerbating the crisis. It's not just the Weber County Animal Shelter; shelters in Salt Lake County, Hurricane, South Utah Valley, and Grantsville are all grappling with the same heartbreaking issue.
In response to this crisis, shelters are taking innovative measures. Salt Lake County, for instance, lowered dog adoption fees to $10 for the month of September, offering some dogs for free adoption on Saturdays. Grantsville has scheduled a special free adoption event with the hope of finding new homes for their dogs.
At the Weber County Animal Shelter, more than a dozen dogs faced the ominous prospect of euthanization, scheduled for September 26. These dogs were made available for free adoption, while others were offered at a nominal fee of $25.
Subaru's commitment to aiding shelter animals stands as a beacon of corporate responsibility. While the challenges of overcrowded shelters and abandoned animals are immense, there are compassionate individuals and organizations like Subaru tirelessly working to make a difference. Adopting a pet from a shelter not only transforms their life but also enriches the lives of their new owners. It serves as a testament to the profound impact of love and second chances for animals in need.
