LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Humane Society is encouraging people to adopt adult large-breed dogs as the organization continues to combat over-capacity.

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky Humane Society is running out of kennels at all of their locations

  • This is a problem the organization has been facing since 2021

  • Millions of animals are impacted by over-capacity nationwide each year

  • Kentucky Humane Society is offering 14-day trials to encourage people to adopt

KHS’s Content Manager, Baylee Philips, says they’re running out of Kennels at all their locations. “As those dogs stay here longer, it prevents us from being able to bring in anyone else. So, in keeping those kennels full, those dogs are experiencing longer shelter stays. They’re not getting their forever homes as quickly, but it also keeps us from being able to help other shelters combat overpopulation,” she explained.

Philips says this is a problem KHS has been facing since 2021. “It’s been tough to keep up with as it keeps moving forward. We’re bringing in more dogs than we are sending out, and lots of shelters nationwide are experiencing this,” she said.

According to Shelter Animals Count’s National Database, 6.5 million cats and dogs entered shelters across the nation in 2023. This marks a 0.2% increase compared to 2022 and a 4% increase since 2021.

Shelter Animals Count’s data shows only about 6 million of those animals received a live outcome. A live outcome is when an animal is adopted or returned to their owner.

Adult large-breed dogs tend to stay in shelters longer. “I think the size of a big dog can be a little intimidating, especially if you’ve never been a dog owner before. So, we’re really encouraging people to step out of their comfort zone,” Philips said. KHS is offering 14-day trials to encourage people to adopt. Potential pet owners can take a dog home for the 2-week period to see if adoption is the right fit.

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