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Corpus Christi animal shelters maxed out

The population in animal shelters is growing faster than they can handle.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — In 2023, The Gulf Coast Humane Society took in 2,608 pets, a nearly 30-percent increase compared to the 1,805 brought in 2022.

Jackie McCollough with the Gulf Coast Humane Society said that since they are running on full capacity nearly at all times they have shifted their focus on intervening to save lives.

"We've really shifted our focus towards saving animals from local euthanasia lists," McCollough said. "You know we've got a six to eight week waiting list right now for our owner surrenders so, we've been doing a lot to help those owners."

Intake coordinator, Sarah Spence, said help is out there for those owners in need. Resources like food assistance, pet deposit fees and other essential tools needed to properly care for an animal are available at the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

"At GCHS we offer blankets, towels, we can give you dog houses if we have them," Spence said. "We can give you pop-up kennels if we have them available to shelter the animals in your home."

It may be tempting to call local shelters to rescue and get the animal off the street, but McCollough said it's best to let the animal be, so that our local shelters can focus on saving those pets in dire need of care and safety.

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