Plenty of Pets Need New Homes

There’s a bloom of cats, kittens and itty bitty dogs that need homes, and they’re waiting patiently for a new human parent to adopt them at the County Shelter.

There are hundreds of cats and kittens already at the shelter with more in foster homes that will be moved to the shelter when they are old enough, or well enough to adopt, officials says.

“It’s a seasonal thing. In December we may go down to 10 cats,” says Santa Clara County Animal Shelter supervisor Brigid Wasson of the large number of kitties.

“It’s their breeding time in the summer.”

Studies have shown that there are numerous health benefits to humans who own and care for a pet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the following benefits.

Pets can decrease your:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol levels
• Triglyceride levels
• Feelings of loneliness

Pets can increase your:

• Opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
• Opportunities for socialization

The majority of the adoptable dogs at the shelter now are small dogs. It’s a reflection of the so-called pocket pet explosion over the past several years and the romantic notion of toting a doggie in a purse doused by the unglamorous reality of caring for a pet.

Prior to the last five years, the shelter’s kennels were filled with large breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers and German Shepherds, Wasson said.

Now there are dozens of Chihuahuas and terrier breeds looking for love.

“We need pet lovers to adopt these animals,” said Kevin O’Day, management director of County Agriculture and Environmental. “If a person is unable to make a permanent commitment, they can foster a cat or kitten, and that will also help to relieve the overcrowding.”

Pets at the shelter have been checked for health and behavioral problems by a veterinarian.

Adoption fees include costs for spay/neuter surgery, microchip ID implantation and registration, age-appropriate vaccinations, de-fleaing and de-worming, FIV/FeLV testing for cats, and a bag of Hill’s Science Diet pet food.

To adopt an animal, a one-time adoption fee is required for different types of pet:

​Dogs

​$110

​Puppies

​$120

​Cats

​$90

​Kittens

​$100

The shelter is located at 12370 Murphy Ave. in San Martin, and is open in the afternoons, seven days a week, except on major holidays. The shelter also needs donations and volunteers to support its animal care program. To learn more about the County of Santa Clara Animal Shelter, to become an adoptive or foster family, volunteer, or to make donations, go to: www.sccountypets.org, or call: 408-686-3900.