Cincinnati Animal CARE issues adoption ‘Code Red’

Cincinnati Animal CARE is asking residents to open their homes to pets after the shelter’s dog kennels reached near capacity, prompting the organization to declare a “Code Red” emergency.

The shelter, which provides animal services for Hamilton County, is caring for 878 animals, including 459 dogs and 398 cats. Across its Colerain Avenue and Dane Avenue facilities, 423 animals are housed onsite. Shelter officials said only 15 dog kennels remain available as of Tuesday night.

“We are asking our community to step up right now,” said Meaghan Colville, the nonprofit’s shelter director. “Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, or simply share our animals online, every action helps save lives.”

Intake outpaces adoptions

The warning comes as animal intake continues to exceed the number of pets leaving the shelter.

During the past 30 days, Cincinnati Animal CARE says it took in 912 animals, including 346 dogs and 566 cats. Over the same period, 584 animals were adopted or reunited with their owners. Shelter leaders said this is typically one of the slowest times of the year for adoptions.

“Summer is one of the most challenging times of year for animal shelters,” said Colville. “Families are traveling, kids are out of school, and routines change. But animals don’t stop needing help because it’s vacation season. They still need safe places to go, and right now, we need our community more than ever.”

Fostering, volunteering, donating and sharing adoptable pets can help ease overcrowding, shelter officials said. However, they stressed that adoption is the fastest and best way to free up space limited long term.

For prospective adopters who are unsure about making a long-term commitment, Cincinnati Animal CARE offers a foster-to-adopt program that allows people to take home an adult dog for a trial period before finalizing the adoption.

Adult dogs cost $75 to adopt, while cats older than 6 months are available for $40. Additional fees apply for puppies, kittens and dog licenses required for Hamilton County residents. Adoption fees include spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations and a microchip.

In addition to animals housed at its shelters, Cincinnati Animal CARE places adoptable pets at PetSmart locations and weekend adoption events throughout Greater Cincinnati. Cats and kittens are also available through The Purrfect Day Cat Café.

“There is truly a pet for every lifestyle waiting in our care, available for foster OR adoption,” Colville said. “Whether you’re looking for a running partner, a couch companion, a playful kitten, or a mellow senior pet, there is an animal here waiting for someone to give them a chance.”