US Animal Shelters Nationwide Face Overcrowding Crisis

Animal shelters across the United States, including those in Broward County, Columbia, Santa Cruz, and Jacksonville, are experiencing severe overcrowding and urgently appealing for public help. Broward County Animal Care in South Florida has exceeded its maximum capacity for both dogs and cats, waiving all adoption fees and encouraging adoption and fostering. Columbia Animal Services is also over capacity, with dogs showing signs of stress, and is urging the public to help improve animal welfare. In California, shelters such as those in Santa Cruz are offering free adoptions during special events like Adopt-A-Pet Day to help rehome animals amid a statewide crisis. Jacksonville-area shelters are highlighting individual pets and providing adoption resources to boost community engagement. Shelters emphasize that adopting, fostering, or promoting pets can make a critical difference in alleviating this nationwide crisis.