The Stockton Animal Shelter has reported a significant increase in the number of abandoned and stray animals over the past year, amid a sharp decline in pet adoptions. Economic challenges, such as inflation, rising rents, and escalating veterinary care costs, are making families hesitant to adopt, pushing the shelter to its capacity.
Currently, 209 animals—118 dogs and 91 cats—are housed at the shelter located at 1575 S. Lincoln St. Additionally, 373 animals are being cared for in foster homes. Ashley Kluza, the service manager for the Stockton Animal Shelter, attributes the slowdown in adoptions to the rising living costs. With veterinary services witnessing a 10% increase in prices since last summer, many families are reconsidering the financial feasibility of pet ownership.
Interestingly, while the national trend shows a rise in pet adoptions, with the number of pet dogs and cats in the U.S. increasing by 16% and 6% respectively between 2016 and 2020, Stockton deviates. The local adoption rates have plummeted from 33% in 2019 to 25% currently. Worse yet, euthanasia rates have doubled from 4% in 2021 to 8% in 2022. Last year alone, 585 animals—379 cats and 206 dogs—were euthanized.
Despite these grim statistics, Kluza is keen to emphasize the transformation of the Stockton Animal Shelter over the years. After a 2014 lawsuit accused them of wrongful animal killings, significant operational shifts were made. Adoptions surged by 93%, and euthanasia rates dropped by 56% within a year of the management change.
Hoping to reverse the current downtrend, the Stockton Animal Shelter is participating in the Clear the Shelter campaign. On the coming Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., all adoption fees will be waived. Those who adopt will also receive pet supplies donated by Carter's Pet Mart. Regular adoption fees stand at approximately $125 for dogs and $120 for cats. Each adopted animal is inclusive of medical procedures like spaying/neutering and vaccinations.
Kluza also highlights the importance of fostering as it offers insights into the pets' behavior outside the shelter environment. The Doggie Day Trip program, another initiative, allows individuals to spend a day with a shelter dog, offering them a break from the kennel environment.
Lastly, in an attempt to address the root of the issue, the shelter is in the process of devising a low-cost spay and neuter program. Though the program's launch date remains uncertain, Kluza is optimistic that it will play a crucial role in reducing the number of stray animals in Stockton.
Those interested in fostering or volunteering can contact Nickolas Shields at (209) 420-0242 or Laura Zapien at (209) 420-2482 for more details.