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Slow turnover rate impacts Headwaters Animal Shelter – Park Rapids Enterprise


I wrote a column in Dec. 2021 regarding why wait-lists exist at animal shelters.

In that time period, our list for animals waiting to come into the shelter were fairly short and remained short for years before that.

Today, our wait-lists have grown exceptionally long, and the turnover rate of animals has slowed down to an extreme.

Upon speaking with other shelters, it appears that many of us are in the same boat.

The turnover rate is incredibly important in shelter operations. In order to take in pets, we must adopt out to open up space for the new intakes.

Adoption is a crucial part of shelter operations, but due to a combination of factors – such as the expense of pet ownership (actually, everything in that matter) – it has become very difficult to place pets.

We appreciate those who have continued to support us and be patient as we navigate this, hopefully, short-lasting phase.

To date, the shelter is caring for 14 dogs in the facility, four of which have been here for over a year.

SweetsDog121323.OP.PRE.jpg

Sweets has been at the Headwaters Animal Shelter for over a year. “She is such a sweet girl, and we don’t know why she has been with us for so long,” says Holly Packman, the canine manager.

Contributed/Headwaters Animal Shelter

There are four dogs out in homes awaiting medical (spay or neuter) surgery.

We are housing 25 cats, with two out in a foster placement, awaiting adoption finalization.

If you are interested in adopting an animal, now is the time to do so if you and your family are ready.





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