PONDERAY — Space is getting tight for Better Together Animal Alliance's canine friends.

As a result, BTAA officials say they need the community's help. 

The crowded quarters of the facility's canine area, which is near maximum capacity, is due to longer stays by dogs. That's resulted in increased financial strain on BTAA and a waitlist for owner-surrenders, Mandy Evans, BTAA executive director, said.

“It’s disheartening to have this experience where so many animals need to find new homes and adoptions are not keeping pace with intake," Evans added.

While BTAA's goal is always to help pets and their families during times of need, when the facility nears capacity Evans said it creates challenges.

“[W]hen we’re at full capacity, especially for extended periods, it reduces our ability to assist those who need support to keep their pets," she said. "It’s an unfortunate cycle. The best way to help animals is to foster or adopt so we can help more animals.” 

In 2020, BTAA’s average canine length of stay was about five days. This year, Evans said the average stay has increased to 21 days. Longer stays directly impact the shelter’s ability to assist more animals in need — either because of a lack of available kennel space or the financial burden of sheltering animals for longer lengths of time, she said.

When the average stay is shorter, budgets for organizations like BTAA, costs are lower and they can help more animals. The opposite is true stay are longer. 

In 2023 alone, BTAA helped 427 stray dogs from within Bonner County, making up a substantial portion of the facility's total intake of 1,177 (36%). The financial burden incurred from this influx demands immediate community support.

BTAA officials called on the community to help by adopting, fostering, volunteering, and donating. And, if rehoming a pet becomes necessary, they encouraged the use of Home To Home as the first option. Additionally, those unable to donate, adopt, or foster can make a difference by sharing adoptable pets' profiles on social media, starting fundraisers, organizing pet food drives, or volunteering their time.

To expedite adoptions, BTAA is hosting a special promotion offering 50% off adoption fees. Evans said that many dogs with extended stays have already had their fees sponsored, ensuring a fee-free adoption process for those looking to open their hearts and homes.

This issue is not unique to BTAA, Evans said. In a recent report from Shelter Animals Count, a national database of sheltered animal statistics, in 2023, over 3.3 million cats and 3.2 million dogs entered animal shelters and rescue organizations. Number were similar in 2022 and up slightly from 2021. 

Shelters across the country are full, and are now entering their fourth year of having too many animals and not enough adoptions — especially for dogs, Evans said.

"To help curb this trend it will take a community effort," she added. "Together, we can make a difference for these deserving animals and ensure that Better Together Animal Alliance continues to be a beacon of hope for pets in need."

For information or to view adoptable pets, go online to bettertogetheranimalalliance.org. For information on BTAA's Home to Home program, go online to home-home.org.