It is common knowledge that animal shelters are overflowing. But, what does this actually mean? Is it as bad as people say it is? 

The Indianapolis Animal Care Services told WTHR that they have 25-50 new animals come in a day. The shelter gets packed easily, and they are running out of space. In February, they temporarily went into emergency intake only. They had such little space, they were only able to take in animals who were in emergency situations. 

Environmental Science teacher Lauren Wyatt has a passion for animals, and she often helps out at shelters and fosters dogs. Wyatt spends about 10 hours a week at IACS with dogs. This would consist of bringing them outside, helping them socialize, and cleaning the kennels. She also helps train new volunteers.

If people are interested in volunteering, they can find information online with IACS and Indy Humane. 

Wyatt also spoke on how full shelters are.

“It’s not an exaggeration,” she said.

Shelters are getting too crowded from surrendering pets or animal control officers bringing in animals. She also mentioned that shelters are understaffed, and her shelter staff is at 50%. 

Wyatt also fosters dogs. She recommends filling out an application with IACS. She has three dogs of her own, and fosters one dog at a time. Once you fill out an application, you can choose which animal you want to foster.