by Animal Rescue League of Berks County
The Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) is requesting the help of the community in dealing with the critical capacity of cats and kittens at the shelter.
As of the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 14, the ARL had 175 cats/kittens at the shelter and 229 in foster care. In addition to these cats, we have a waitlist of cats to come into the shelter going back to March of this year.
“We are at critical capacity at the moment, which has been an increasing concern after the pandemic,” said José Joel Delgado-Rivera, ARL’s Chief Communications Officer. “Having a full shelter is dangerous for the animals since they are at a higher risk of contracting diseases, having their behavior decline, and their immune system compromised. This situation also limits our capacity to take in animals needing emergency care.”
The community can help by:
Adopting: We have 182 cats and kittens available for adoption. Adopting a cat/kitten will give a second chance to a pet while opening much-needed space for other animals to come in. The ARL will host a pay-what-you-can adoption weekend from Friday, Nov. 17, through Sunday, Nov. 19. All cats and kittens will be available to adopt. All adopters must go through the ARL’s regular procedures to adopt, including completing an adoption profile and speaking with an adoption counselor to ensure that the pet they select is a good match for their home, family, and lifestyle.
Fostering: Taking pets into family care for a limited time will allow this pet to experience a loving home while waiting for a new family. The ARL provides all the resources needed to care for these pets during the foster period. Interested people can reach out to [email protected] to sign in.
Volunteering: Cleaning volunteers can help us keep the cages free of diseases while helping our animal care staff focus on preparing enrichment activities and medical care for the animals. Reach out to [email protected] to sign in.
Transfer to other rescues: Other rescues with space and willing to take fully vetted animals can reach out to [email protected] to arrange a transfer. All the animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Transfers are free of charge.
Sharing Content: By sharing ARL’s social media content or pet profiles from www.berksarl.org, the community can help us broaden these pets’ exposure beyond our following. Being in front of more people gives them a better chance for animals to find the family they need.
Donating: By donating linen, toys, food, cat litter, or money, people can help the pets get the resources and care they need at the shelter. Item donations can be dropped out at the shelter, and cash donations can be sent through www.berksarl.org/berksdonates/.
For more information on how to help, please contact [email protected] or call 610-373-8830.
Pipsqueak, Wonderwall, and Silk (pictured) are available for adoption as of Nov. 14.
The Animal Rescue League of Berks County is a charitable 501c3 organization caring for nearly 5,000 animals each year to help them find second chances in a new home or to help reunite them with their grateful owners. For over 70 years, the organization has worked tirelessly to care for the sick, treat the injured, comfort the unwanted, and protect the abused. Whether helping people in need keep their pets through surrender prevention programs, offering low-cost veterinary services and clinics, as well as outreach and education events throughout the county, the ARL’s work goes far beyond the walls of the shelter.
