Animal shelters in Harrison County are facing a severe overcrowding crisis, forcing them to turn away new animals. Officials report that the primary cause is the rising cost of pet ownership, which is placing a significant financial strain on local residents and leading to an increase in surrendered pets. This situation has pushed the Harrison County Animal Shelter to its absolute limit.
The Financial Squeeze on Pet Owners
The increasing expenses tied to pet care are a major source of stress for many families. According to a recent USA Today poll, the average annual cost of owning a pet has reached $4,500. This amount covers everything from food and vet visits to adoption fees.
The survey also found that 76% of dog owners experience “a lot” or “a significant amount” of financial stress due to these costs. A key challenge is the expense of spaying and neutering, which can range from $100 to $400 at a standard veterinary clinic, making it unaffordable for some. Jessica Carmon, director of the Harrison County Animal Shelter, noted this is a huge issue, saying, “we’ve taken in 15 puppies” in just the last week.
A “Code Red” Crisis for Local Shelters
The financial burdens on pet owners are having a direct and severe impact on local shelters. With more animals coming in and fewer being adopted, resources are stretched thin. The Harrison County Animal Shelter is currently in a state of emergency.
“We’re at max capacity, we can’t take any more animals until we move some animals out,” Carmon stated. The shelter has declared its second “code red” in a month, a designation used when the facility is completely full and cannot accept any more animals. This creates a desperate situation for both the animals and the shelter staff who care for them.
Shelter Capacity Status
| Shelter | Current Capacity | Available Slots |
| Harrison County Animal Shelter | Maxed Out | 0 |
How the Community Can Help
To address the urgent overcrowding, the Harrison County Animal Shelter is pleading with the community for support. The most impactful ways to help are through adoption and fostering. Adopting a pet gives a deserving animal a home and frees up critical space in the shelter.
The adoption fee at the Harrison County shelter is a flat $85 for all pets. This one-time cost is comprehensive and provides significant value.
- DAPP (dogs) or FVRCP (cats) vaccine
- Dewormer
- Flea/tick prevention
- Rabies vaccine
- A spay or neuter procedure
- A dog license for Harrison County owners
For those who cannot commit to adoption, fostering is an excellent alternative. “If you can’t adopt, becoming a foster still helps reduce overcrowding,” Carmon explained. Fostering provides a temporary, safe home for an animal, improving its chances of being adopted permanently.
A Reflection of a National Problem
The challenges in Harrison County are not unique. Animal shelters across the United States are experiencing similar overcrowding issues. The surge in pet adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic has been followed by a wave of surrenders as owners struggle with the long-term financial commitments of pet care.
Inadequate spaying and neutering rates nationwide continue to contribute to the problem of unwanted litters. This, combined with economic pressures, has created a perfect storm for shelters everywhere.
National Statistics on Pet Overcrowding
| Metric | National Average | Harrison County |
| Annual Cost of Pet Ownership | $4,500 | N/A |
| Percentage of Dog Owners Reporting Financial Stress | 76% | N/A |
| Number of Pets Entering Shelters Monthly | Rising | Increasing |
To move forward, a combination of affordable spay/neuter programs, better funding for shelters, and public education is needed. Carmon remains hopeful, stating, “with community support and responsible pet ownership, we can turn things around.”
