CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – The overpopulation crisis at local animal shelters is an ongoing problem that these shelters try to combat every day.

To try to free up space, shelters in the three counties came together last weekend and held an emergency pet adoption event called Lowcountry Paws Unite.

Nearly 300 animals found homes at the event, but shelters still encourage community members to adopt rather than purchase.

Dezi Baldeagle, animal services manager at Berkely Animal Center, said many of their admissions are owner-assigned and those appointments are booked through March.

“So we had 71 adoptions, which is awesome. Unfortunately, this has taken a bit of a toll on our system. And we still have so many animals that are overpopulated like crazy,” she said.

Dorchester Paws had 73 total adoptions and the Charleston Animal Society had 115 total adoptions.

Baldeagle said the recent adoption event held by the three shelters was a success, but they still had 150 animals available at home and 300 pets in foster homes – and it was a situation similar for the Charleston Animal Society.

“We really need adopters for the dogs. And we have a lot of larger dogs here who, even though they’re big, are just looking for a couch to curl up on or someone to spend time with,” Aldwin Roman, vice president and chief operating officer at Charleston. Animal Society, said.

Roman and Baldeagle said older, larger puppies are usually the last to be adopted.

Despite their efforts to find each animal a loving home, both said growth and development in the area could be the main reason for shelter congestion.

“Housing is difficult, especially if you are renting. There are a lot of restrictions with apartments on size or breeds, and it’s difficult for people to bring an animal home,” Roman said.

“I think it’s just the number of people coming to the county. It’s just about bringing more animals into the county, more animals to escape from their homes. And then we get an influx of people who are also trying to surrender their animals,” Baldeagle said.

A helpful tip if you are considering adoption is to fall in love with the dog, not the breed.

Even if you don’t want a furry friend forever, Roman said their shelter’s new initiative might change your mind.

“If you’re not quite ready to adopt, but you want to help an animal get adopted, you can take them home, basically feed them, take them out into the community, take them to parks . If you find someone who is interested and wants to adopt this animal, you come back here and they finalize the adoption. We will give you a $150 Visa gift card if you find this animal in your home,” he said.

The Charleston Animal Society will host a fundraising event called Paws in the Park next Saturday.

It will take place from 12pm to 4pm at Brittlebank Park.

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