Free pet adoption day sponsored by Elk Grove Animal Services, PetSmart amid national shelter overcrowding
City officials in Elk Grove seemingly recognize that the national trend toward no-kill shelters has led to an oversupply of pets awaiting permanent homes
Elk Grove Animal Services, in partnership with PetSmart, Elk Grove, is offering a two free pet adoption events this week. The initiative aims to help alleviate the burgeoning crisis of overcrowded animal shelters in Elk Grove and across the nation.
Across the United States, millions of companion animals enter shelters annually. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), an estimated six to eight million pets are admitted each year, with many shelters struggling to keep pace with these numbers.
This challenge is compounded by the increasing number of so-called “no-kill” shelters. In many communities, including Elk Grove, no-kill policies - which pledge not to euthanize healthy, adoptable animals - have become common, with estimates suggesting that up to 52 percent of animal shelters now operate under a no-kill model.
While these policies save lives, they also contribute to the accumulation of unwanted dogs and cats if adoption rates do not keep up with the intake.
City officials in Elk Grove seemingly recognize that the national trend toward no-kill shelters has led to an oversupply of pets awaiting permanent homes. “Pets are family, and can bring hope, companionship, and unconditional love to their people. Adopting a pet can also alleviate the strain on overcrowded shelters,” the city said in an announcement promoting the event.
The event is this Saturday, at PetSmart, 8215 Laguna Blvd., this Wednesday, March 26 from 12:30 – 3:30 pm and Saturday, March 29 from 11 am – 2pm.
