The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society is experiencing overcrowding with many cats, rats, and bunnies up for adoption.
In the last two weeks, over 100 cats and kittens have come to the shelter and it now has more than 70 rats in its care.
Executive Director Melanie Coulter says while the cat intake is not unusual, the number of rats is extensive. She says they have also seen more rabbits surrendered this year than in previous years.
"There's a suspicion that maybe last year when everyone was looking for a pandemic pet and people couldn't find puppies that they were adopting or purchasing rabbits, but it is a little bit strange," said Coulter.
Coulter said a number of the rats currently in their care were dropped off at their front door in one intake. There were originally only 52, but many of the females were pregnant, and the numbers have ballooned. She says if anyone is considering adopting a small pet, now is the time.
Via the Windsor Essex County Humane Society Facebook page
"They're wonderful pets. They're entertaining, they're social, they're trainable, but they do live often three or four years, and sometimes people aren't prepared for the long haul," said Coulter.
To view the animals available for adoption or to start the process, visit humanesociety.ca.
"When someone adopts one of these animals, it gives us that little bit of extra space to give a bit of extra breathing room for the ones that are still here," said Coulter.
She is also encouraging people to call the shelter before surrendering a pet so that staff can ensure all the proper arrangements can be made.
