Joplin Humane Society facing overcrowding crisis

Officials with the Joplin Humane Society are facing what they call “a dire crisis.”

The shelter is currently caring for 434 pets, far exceeding its capacity of 350 to 400. Staff members fear they cannot keep up with the overcrowding much longer.

Executive Director Connie Andrews and her dedicated team of animal lovers are now making a stronger push for adoptions and fostering in the Joplin area.

“We are asking anyone who is able to please consider fostering a pet. We love all our pets and will continue to provide the best care possible, but we need help,” Andrews said.

The Joplin Humane Society has turned to its Facebook page asking for area residents who are able to foster a pet temporarily to step up.

“In serious crises like this, Facebook is the best way to connect with potential foster parents,” Andrews said. “We want to do everything possible to find these animals homes, because we have come so far and never want to turn any pets away that need our help.”

Andrews says daily videos featuring adoptable pets, posted to Facebook, have gone viral, reaching donors and fans from across the country.

The Joplin Humane Society also announced it would lower the adoption fee on all big dogs to only $10. These great pets come spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, flea-treated, heartworm-tested, and de-wormed.

Even if adopting a pet is not an option, Andrews says concerned area residents may help by donating funds for supplies or sponsoring adoptions for others.