The heavy rains helping inch the state out of the drought are also making it tougher for dogs at animal shelters to find new homes.
Rainy days can cut the Pasadena Humane Society’s adoption numbers in half as the animal shelter is forced to close its outdoor kennels during downpours.
“The safety of the animals and the people is paramount,” said Julie Bank, president of the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA. “We also see a lot less people who come out in the rain for sure, whether we close the kennel or not.”
Bank said the outdoor areas are only closed during active rain, so they re-open periodically throughout the day. But usually, people aren’t looking to adopt when the weather is bad.
The humane society closes the kennels off to the public during rain because of slip hazards, but the eager dogs are also more likely to leave their heated enclosures and rush into the rain when someone is walking by.
Each enclosure has a bed, a blanket and a raised, heated platform to keep the dogs from getting wet.
The shelter does not close their intake, the Neely Cat Center, or any of the indoor areas during rain. Animal Control Services also continue, though there tends to be fewer calls for service.
Pasadena Humane Society’s problem is somewhat unique to Southern California. Most shelters in the region have outdoor kennels because the weather allows for it and an open environment provides better air quality for the animals. The rainy downside is rare, particularly here in Southern California after years of drought.
“We know the importance of rain here, everyone is excited about rain, it creates a little wrinkle,” Bank said. “I just don’t want adoptions to be impacted.”
On a recent rainy Sunday, about 18 dogs were adopted, according to information provided by the Humane Society. The shelter had a65 dog adoptions on the same day the year before. Other rainy days had less than half the typical adoption rates.
It’s not all dreary though. Bank said she believes the average evens out because of increased efforts and resources to get dogs, cats and other critters into homes.
But the numbers would likely be even higher if there was less rain, she said. The frequent rain has caused less of a hiccup this year because most of it has occurred in the winter months, when fewer dogs are brought in to the shelter. The busiest time period, breeding season, tends to ramp up at the end of March and lasts until September.
The Pasadena Humane Society takes in about 12,000 animals a year and offers space for animals when other shelters hit their capacity.
To keep from taking in more pets during the massive storm this weekend, Bank urges pet owners to move their dogs and cats indoors, if possible, and to ensure they have proper shelter if they’re outside. Lightning can cause dogs to jump fences or to act in unexpected ways, so owners should be prepared in case their pets end up getting loose.
If a pet does go missing, the Pasadena Humane Society is open for assistance, rain or shine, she said.
To contact the Pasadena Humane Society call (626) 792-7151 or go to pasadenahumane.org.
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