LAKELAND – Shelters across the Lakeland region are bursting at the seams with dogs, many of them waiting months, or even years, to find a new home.
Both the Lakeland Humane Society, which is located near Cold Lake, and the Bonnyville SPCA are operating at or near full capacity, and staff say it’s time to act.
“We can hold 15 dogs,” said Ashley Kroetsch, shelter manager at the Bonnyville SPCA. With 13 kennels currently filled, the shelter is operating near full capacity, leaving little room to take in more dogs.
The situation is similar in Cold Lake. “We’ve been operating at full capacity for the last at least three years,” said Danielle Donovan, executive director of the Lakeland Humane Society. “We keep between 30 to 40 at a time . . . We have over 25.”
Kroetsch says they’ve seen a steep increase in dogs being surrendered or found as strays since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After COVID is when our surrenders and strays definitely picked up and adoption slowed right down,” she explained.
For many dogs, the wait to find a forever home can stretch on for months, “if not longer, I'd say a minimum of probably at least six, seven months, and if not longer. We've had dogs here almost up to a year now,” Kroetsch said.
Donovan mentioned one dog in particular, “Tortilla… she’s been here since 2023.”
With a growing surrender list of “at least 30 plus dogs” waiting to enter the Lakeland Humane Society, Donovan said, “Once one gets adopted out, we fill the kennel right away.”
Despite the strain, both shelters are urging the public to consider adoption or fostering.
“These dogs need a home. They need a loving family,” said Kroetsch. “You’re giving a dog a second chance. Some of these dogs come in and I don’t think they’ve experienced the kindness of a human.”
Fostering, even temporarily, can help ease the burden.
“Fostering helps them come out of their shell . . . de-stresses them,” Kroetsch said. “There’s always fostering and if you can’t foster, you know, share the word.”
Donovan echoed the value of rescue animals. “Our shelter dogs . . . have so much more love to give. You’re saving a life, basically,” she said. “This animal will have continuous love for you for as long as they’re on this earth with you.”
Both shelters provide full care, including spaying and neutering of dogs.
The Bonnyville SPCA is open to the public seven days a week, from 8 a.m to 5 p.m, and offers a seven-day trial period with an approved application.
In Cold Lake, the Lakeland Humane Society also operates a feed store, open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with all profits going to help the rescued animals.
“There’s a dog out there for everybody,” said Kroetsch. “It’s up to us as people to help [the animals] find homes and teach them love and kindness.”
