At ICARE, we are dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals in need, but currently, we are facing a serious challenge. Our shelter, ideally designed to house 12 dogs and 8 kittens, is now home to 26 dogs and 11 kittens. This means we are operating at more than double our intended capacity for dogs and over 37% more for kittens.
The Overcrowding Crisis
The main reason for this overcrowding is the sheer number of unwanted animals in our county. Unfortunately, many of the animals we rescue were clearly dumped by their previous owners. This is especially heartbreaking when it comes to puppies and kittens, who are often the most vulnerable and in need of urgent care.
The Importance of Spaying and Neutering
We want to take this opportunity to stress the importance of spaying and neutering pets. If your pet is not spayed or neutered and spends any time outdoors, there is a high probability that they could contribute to an unwanted litter. These unwanted litters often end up at shelters like ours, further exacerbating the overcrowding problem.
Spaying and neutering pets is not only responsible but also helps to control the animal population and reduce the number of homeless animals. It also brings health benefits to pets, such as reduced risks of certain cancers and other health issues.
How You Can Help
Our shelter is in urgent need of various supplies to care for the increased number of animals. If you are able to donate, we would be incredibly grateful. We have created a list of items we need on our Amazon wishlist. Every little bit helps, and your generosity can make a big difference in the lives of these animals.
Donate via our Amazon Wishlist
Join Us in Making a Difference
We are deeply committed to every animal that comes into our care, but we cannot do it alone. Your support, whether through donations or by helping to spread the word about responsible pet ownership, is vital. Together, we can work towards a future where every animal has a loving home and shelters are no longer overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need.
The Adoption Process
Adopting a pet from ICARE is a straightforward and rewarding process. Here’s how you can bring home your new furry friend:
- Complete an Application: Fill out our adoption application online at www.icarearkansas.com/application. We ask that applications be submitted 72 hours in advance to allow us time to review and contact you.
- Meet and Greet: Once we receive your application, we will contact you within 72 hours to arrange a meet and greet with the pet you are interested in.
- Visit the Shelter: You can also stop by our shelter on Saturdays from 9am to noon to see our dogs and cats in person. Please keep in mind that many of our animals are in foster homes. If you are interested in a specific pet, please call us ahead of time so we can arrange for the pet to be at the shelter for your visit.
We are committed to matching our animals with loving and responsible families. Your interest in adoption not only changes the life of the pet you welcome into your home but also helps us to continue rescuing more animals in need.
Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the ICARE community. Let’s work together to ensure that every pet gets the chance at a happy, healthy life.
ICARE Shelter Location:
214 Circle Dr, Melbourne, next to the sheriff’s office
Open Saturdays 9am-noon