Dog kennels ‘completely full’ at over-capacity animal shelter in Brampton

The city’s animal shelter is considering “doubling up” critters in kennels as the shelter is over capacity and struggling with an influx of dogs.

Brampton Animal Services is almost always in need of pet fosters and adopters, but a lower number of prospective pet owners coming to the shelter means dogs who would normally be adopted in a few days are staying at the shelter for months without finding a home.

“Our dog kennels are completely full,” Brampton Animal Services said in an announcement this week. “We are at the point that we need to consider doubling up dogs in kennels or placing new animals in crates to make space for any new dogs coming into the shelter.”

With more dogs coming in and adoptions seeing a significant drop, the shelter says it may need “to start having difficult conversations” about animals with medical or behavioural needs, “and whether or not we have adequate time, space and the budget to meet the needs of these animals.”

“It’s stressful for both the animals and staff,” BAS said.

“We need more animals to go into, or stay in homes, in order to keep the animals in our care safe and healthy.”

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Some of the newer additions to the shelter’s roster include Thor, an “8-month-old bundle of joy who is eagerly searching for his forever home.”

“Thor is a sweet and playful pup who will undoubtedly bring endless happiness to the lucky family who adopts him,” his bio on the Brampton Animal Services website reads.

“Despite his young age, Thor’s gentle nature is already evident, making him a loving companion for anyone willing to open their hearts to him.”

Thor is an 8-month-old pooch at the Brampton Animal Services shelter in need of a new home. (Photo: BAS)

There’s also Simba, “a charming 5-year-old American Bulldog” with a big heart.

Described as “a gentle giant who loves to take things easy,” Simba is a bit on the heftier side and enjoys shorter walks but animal services staff say he’s gradually building up his stamina to enjoy longer outings.

Simba is a 5-year-old American Bulldog up for adoption in Brampton. (Photo: Brampton Animal Services)

Dog adoptions cost $200 plus a pet licence fee and include vaccinations, sterilization and a free veterinary exam to get your furry friend ready for their new home. The shelter also has many cats, rabbits, hamsters and mice. Cat adoptions start at $120 while birds and small animal adoption fees start at $5.

If adoption isn’t an option then there’s also pet fostering, allowing a pet to live temporarily in your home until a permanent owner can be found. Fostering gives animals a safe home environment and helps socialize the pet for future adoption, while also reducing overcrowding in the shelter.

The shelter provides all the food, supplies and medical care a foster pet needs while the foster provides “love and a safe, temporary place to stay.”

Brampton Animal Services also accepts donations to the Helping Orphaned Pets in Emergencies (HOPE) Fund, which helps the rehabilitation of sick and injured animals so they can be adopted into loving homes.

Two litters of puppies were found abandoned in Brampton in April, and the city says struggling pet owners should never abandon their animals and consider surrender instead. There’s also the Emergency Pet Food Pantry​ which can help with one week to one month of pet supplies at a time, depending on demand and donations.

To see all the animals available for adoption or learn more about the Brampton Animal services HOPE Fund click here.