EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Notorious for being the busiest time of year for animal shelters across the country, this 4th of July weekend was no different.
El Paso Animal Services says between July 4 and July 6, about 200 animals were taken in. From that number, only around 60 were reclaimed. Dozens more wait at the main shelter at 5001 Fred Wilson for their owners to come and find them.
“We do have some that did come in with their collars, but they don’t have any ID tags on them or the numbers are incorrect or outdated, same thing with a microchip too. If they come in and we’re not able to accurately find the information, the number might be wrong. The address might be wrong. That makes it really difficult to try to find the owners,” said EPAS Public Affairs Coordinator Julie Newbold.
People looking for their pets have a few options at reconnection. You can either go to the main shelter in Northeast El Paso and look for your animal any day between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Owners can also file a lost pet report online through the shelter’s website.
To make the process easier, EPAS has waived reclaim fees for the month of July. However, the clock is ticking for people to go pick up their animals.
“By law, we do have an emancipation period that we need to follow. If they don’t have any microchip collar or I.D. tag, then that’s only a three-day emancipation period. If they are microchipped and wearing some kind of identification, that’s a seven-day emancipation period. After that time frame, they can be put up for adoption,” Newbold said.
According to EPAS, all three shelters are well above capacity. The numbers from this weekend, only adding more strain to staff, volunteers and animals.
“We’re around 200 percent capacity, give or take, and that’s kind of a little bit of standard throughout the year. Right now, we’re just seeing that heavy intake of around 70 pets coming into the shelter every single day,” Newbold said.
To help get a grasp on these numbers, EPAS is offering a timeframe during July for people to take advantage of free adoptions.
“Thanks to Bissell Pet Foundation, all adoption fees are completely waived through July 19th. That, of course, includes their spay-neuter surgery and booster vaccines and includes their microchip. All of that’s included to start your pet off on the right paw with their new family,” said Newbold.
Fostering is also an option for people who are looking for a temporary house guest. EPAS said the shelter will provide all resources including medical care, food and supplies needed while that pet waits for its forever home.
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