NewsWest 9
ODESSA - The Odessa Humane Society is feeling the pinch this holiday season.
The number of adoptions is down and the cost of vet bills are up, making for tough times for the animals and volunteers at the Odessa Humane Society.
"I don't think many people are aware of this place and what we do and when they are, it's to drop off a dog," Amanda Clower, with the Humane Society, said.
Adoptions have gone down significantly.
We're told this time last year, nearly 800 dogs had already been adopted, but this year only 600 pets have gone to a good home.
With less people adopting and more animals coming in, it's making vet bills higher but that's not the only thing. Some animals have been here for three years, and since it's a no-kill shelter, the vet bills keep on stacking.
"They probably run anywhere from $2,000-$4,000," Clower said. "We don't get a cent from the National Humane Society, they don't give out to local shelters."
These pets rely on local and private donations but that's not always enough. We're told board members are usually the ones helping to foot the bill.
The shelter is almost full right now with 80 dogs and 20 cats.
"People just don't have the money to adopt and then to take care of the dog," Clower said.
Now the Humane Society is asking people to donate whatever they can if at possible.
They want the public to know it's vital for these precious animals.
"We try to do as much as we can but without the funding, it just doesn't work together," Clower said.
