MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) is pleading for the public's help after it says it has no more kennels to take in stray animals.
In a Facebook post, MCAW issued an "urgent call for help," saying it's been averaging an intake of 11 pets per day over the last couple of months.
"Bishop, our lost and found location, houses over 70 dogs, while the Palmetto Adoption Center cares for over 100," the Facebook post reads.
The county-run animal services organization has waived adoption fees to encourage potential pet owners to help clear the kennels. But MCAW says adoption isn't the only way the public can help.
It's hoping to capture the attention of other rescues, who may be able to step in to help, through social media and word-of-mouth.
"Our area and state boasts numerous foster-based and brick-and-mortar rescues, and we aspire to collaborate with as many as possible," the organization wrote.
There's always the option to foster, too. MCAW says all dogs available for adoption are also available to foster, and it will provide the supplies if "you offer the love and temporary home."
"Currently, we're in urgent need of medium to large dog fosters," MCAW said.
If you're more of a cat person, MCAW does have cats up for adoption, but the organization reiterated the urgent need for dogs to find homes.
If you're interested in adoption, MCAW will organize transport or it says you can show up in person to choose your new best friend. It houses dogs of all sizes, as well as dogs that are compatible with other pets.
To learn more, MCAW says you can reach out to the following email addresses:
- lauren.tryon@mymanatee.org
- taunia.ireland@mymanatee.org
- jennifer.hume@mymanatee.org
If you'd like to visit, Manatee County's website lists the following addresses that offer adoptions:
Palmetto Adoption Center:
305 25th Street West
Palmetto, FL 34221
Phone: 941-742-5933
Bishop Animal Shelter:
5718 21st Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34209
Phone: 941-742-5933