Wayne dog shelter understaffed, overcapacity

As the number of abandoned and neglected dogs continues to rise, the Wayne County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is grappling with the challenge of being understaffed and over-capacity.

“Currently, we have 50 kennels and 63 dogs. This leads to increased stress levels for the dogs,” said Katelyn Lehman, dog warden and shelter director. “A few hours of your time, a share on social media or a financial contribution can help alleviate the burden on over-capacity shelters and ensure every dog has a chance at a happier, healthier life.”

Understanding the over-capacity challenge starts with recognizing the root causes. Economic hardships, shifts in housing policies and a lack of awareness about responsible pet ownership have contributed to the influx of dogs arriving at the shelter. Each day, dogs arrive at the shelter needing a nutritious meal, a bath and, sometimes, immediate lifesaving veterinarian attention.

“We need volunteers to care for the dogs, committee members, and board members,” said Brock Yoder, president of PAWS (Promoting Animal Welfare for the Wayne County Dog Shelter), a nonprofit organization that supports the shelter. “There are a lot of events that we also need help with.”

Fundraising events are essential to the ongoing operation of the shelter and programs, such as spaying and neutering. According to the PAWS website, 453 dogs were adopted in 2023, and with a spay and neuter cost of $125 per dog, the shelter needs nearly $60,000 annually to adopt dogs that are altered before leaving the shelter.

These events are an opportunity to raise essential funds and foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among animal lovers. Every dollar raised during these events goes directly toward creating a safe, welcoming environment for dogs entering the shelter.

“Volunteering at a fundraiser is a really easy way to help out,” Lehman said. “It is not a full-time commitment. We need kennel volunteers, board and committee members, but if you don’t have the time, this is a great way to help us give the dogs the care they deserve.”

Along with finding homes for pets, the shelter hopes to foster a deeper bond between humans and animals by expanding their offerings. According to the shelter’s numbers, additional services are needed, and PAWS is answering the call. PAWS hosts numerous fundraisers like Bark and Brush, Dirty Dog Jog, Dine-Donate-Dogs at Buffalo Wild Wings and Yappy Hours at various wineries.

“Nothing could be easier than eating chicken wings or drinking wine,” Yoder said. “If you can’t volunteer, come out and participate in one of our many fundraisers.”

For a list of fundraisers throughout the year, visit the PAWS website often at pawsforwcds.org.

Dan Starcher is the Public Communications Coordinator for Wayne County.