Effingham County Animal Shelter at critical capacity

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WAND) — Effingham County Animal Shelter and Control is at critical capacity, which means that they cannot take in any more animals in need of help. They are asking for people to come in and adopt or foster some of their animals.

The summer months are hard for local shelters because of what they call "puppy and kitty season." Shelters will face an influx of kittens and puppies in addition to adult dogs and cats. According to the shelter, they have as many as 65 kittens between their facility and foster homes. All of their kennels for dogs are full, including their kennel reserved for emergencies.

Cheyenne Willenborg, an animal control officer at the shelter, said that puppy and kitty season isn't the only reason why they -- and other local shelters -- are overrun with animals. "During COVID, we didn't have very many pets here," said Willenborg, "We feel like with people going back to work, there's a rise in the pets that are coming into our care, pets that are strays because the prices of everything are going up."

Willenborg said that adopting or fostering an animal can be life changing -- not only for the animal, but for the family who adopts it as well. "Take the chance on adopting...they're much, you know, more loving, more thankful that you are giving them a great life. So definitely take a chance and add someone to your family."

Effingham County Animal Shelter is currently accepting applications for adoption. They are also looking for donations for items like kitty litter, paper towels, and dog and cat food and treats.