Why are southeast Idaho animal shelters always full?

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Animal shelters constantly have more dogs and cats brought in.

"We take anywhere from five to 20 phone calls and messages a day about rehoming animals," said Rexburg Police Department Animal Control Officer Scott Chapman.

Chapman says people often bring cats and dogs to the Rexburg Animal Shelter because they didn't research how to take care of them.

Each dog has different needs. Some breeds are prone to certain health issues like hip displacement. Some breeds have been bred for specific tasks, so they need proper exercise, activities, and space.

“If you bring, for example, a working dog into your home, and you don't give them any chance to work or use their brain in a way that they were wired to do, that can result in unusual behavior. So their personality and the environment they're in will equal their behavior," said PAWS (Providing Animal Welfare Services) Director of Programs and Engagement, Stephanie Sokol.

The current state of the economy is another reason why animal shelters are full. Everything is going up in price, including pet food and payments to keep pets healthy.

There are ways the community can help with animal shelter numbers. They can ask the shelters how they operate and what they need. People can donate, volunteer, or even foster animals.

"Even if it's for a day or a few days, it can create such a difference in how that animal will show up, both in the community and for for future adopters," Sokol said. "Because we got to see them in a different environment."

You can learn more about how to help by contacting your local animal shelter.