NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The North Little Rock Animal Shelter is in crisis mode this week.
While they've been at max capacity in the past, they're currently in the midst of renovations, and for the next two months, they have to adjust to having less kennel space than they're used to. While they're excited about having much needed renovations, they are unable to use half their kennel space while construction work is underway.
Now, they're hoping for the pets to be adopted or taken in by foster families so that the shelter can avoid having to make heartbreaking decisions.
"We have 28 dogs, and I've got 23 adoption cages total. So you can see the numbers there," said Adam Tindall, the Director of North Little Rock Animal Shelter.
He emphasized how the shelter has more dogs than it does kennels.
"It's very difficult knowing [that] they're there and I can't utilize them. That's why we're utilizing fosters and things of that nature," Tindall added.
The city explained how the changes were needed. These renovations are the shelter's first major update since the 1970s and changes include adding an expanded adoption area and event room.
However, it also means that if adoptions slow right now, some animals may need to be put down.
"With school starting, that is going to be one of those times where we see a lull in adoptions," Tindall said. "As more animals come in, what do we do? Nobody wants to make that choice."
For now, the staff at the shelter explained that they're doing everything they can to help get pups adopted.
"We need people and places for them to go, and without people and places for them to go, then there's nowhere for them to go. So we have to figure out a way," said Tindall.
The shelter is aiming to finish up renovations by the end of September, and they hope to get enough adoptions before then.
The North Little Rock Animal Shelter is always looking for volunteers to walk or spend time with the animals.
Open adoption hours are Monday through Friday from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To see more information on adoptable pets, please click here.