‘We are out of space’: City Dogs Cleveland overcrowded, urges adoptions and fosters

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The City Dogs Cleveland shelter shared on social media last week that it is running out of space after taking in over two dozen dogs within two days.

According to the post from July 16, the kennel had over 30 dogs come through its doors when it was already full, saying the kennel is not able to sustain and is out of space.

Izzy Esler, adoption and volunteer coordinator for City Dogs Cleveland, said the shelter took in 30 dogs over a two-day period — then received 19 more the following day. Some dogs are reclaimed by owners, adopted, or transferred to partner rescues, but Esler said the pace of dogs leaving is not keeping up with the pace coming in.

The Cleveland Animal Care & Control must take in any dog that is found as a stray for public safety, as well as dogs that are abandoned or that are not being provided adequate shelter.

City Dogs Cleveland said when it gets full, it can’t just close. This means that some dogs don’t get as many chances as or as much time as they otherwise would.

“We’re an open intake kennel since we’re a city of Cleveland’s animal control. We can’t turn dogs away,” Esler said. “So if they’re found as strays, as part of public safety, we have to take them in. We can’t just leave them on the street. That’s not really safe or fair to the dog or obviously our communities.”

With a packed kennel, it means kennel stress even more for the animals in the shelter and Esler said the overcrowding is taking a toll on everyone involved.

“It’s tough. It’s a lot of stress. It’s a lot of pressure on the staff, the volunteers who like give a lot of their hearts, you know, to the dogs,” Esler said. “And it’s hard on the dogs that are here. Just it’s that much less time that each one gets because we’re spread that much thinner across all the animals.”

The shelter said its once again in a position where it really needs to find homes for the adoptable dogs, to reunite missing dogs to their owners and for dogs in the community to remain in their homes.

Esler said the kennel remains committed to getting the word out despite the pressure.

“We’re all here because we’re trying to help them find a second chance. It can be daunting and stressful, but we just really keep trying to get the word out, make sure people understand like our position, our situation, and see what we can do to hopefully get more adopters and people coming in,” Esler said.

CLAIM YOUR DOG

City Dogs Cleveland wants to get lost dogs back to their owners.

“If somebody missing a pet, or if you’ve lost a pet, don’t give up. We’ve had dogs that get reunited with families a month later, two months later, and sometimes just weird things happen,” Esler said.

Click here to see all of the lost/found dogs in the kennel.

The Cleveland kennel is located at 9203 Detroit Avenue and can be reached at 216-664-3069.

Making sure your dogs are microchipped helps get your furry friends home faster. Cleveland Kennel will chip your pets for $25, just call ahead at 216-664-3069.

ADOPT

If you would like to adopt one (or more!) click here to see the precious pups just waiting to be part of your family.

For those who can’t make the adoption event or want to avoid a potential wait, click here to set up a meet and greet with the dog who is pulling on your heartstrings from the photos.

The adoption fee includes:

• microchip
• county license
• basic vaccinations
• spay/neuter surgery
• and of course, a lifetime of love!

FOSTER

Even if you aren’t able to adopt at this time, but still have some room in your home and heart, you can click here to learn about fostering a dog.

BE PROACTIVE

Something the shelter often hears is “He’s never run away before when I let him out to go potty.” Don’t take the chance!

Take the steps to make suer your pet is safe and secure at home.

Be sure your pup is secured on a leash or in a fenced yard when they go out.

VOLUNTEER

If you only have room in your heart and your schedule, become a volunteer!

The City of Cleveland said volunteers can help with:

• dog walking
• events
• fostering
• transport
• social media and networking
• photography
• training
• and more! 

Email citydogs@city.cleveland.oh.us or call 216-664-3069 for more information about future volunteer opportunities.

DONATE

For those who are unable to adopt or foster at this time but still want to help, the kennel is always in need of monetary and item donations, like the dogs’ favorite chew dogs.

You don’t even have to go to the store or stop by the kennel to drop off your donations!

Just purchase these items from the City Dogs wish lists on Amazon or Chewy, and they will be automatically delivered to the kennel.

Click here to view the City Dogs Cleveland Amazon wish list.

Click here to view the City Dogs Cleveland Chewy wish list.