El Paso Humane Society breaks adoption records in 2017
The Humane Society is ending 2017 with the most animal adoptions since the shelter first started.
“On Christmas Eve, we went over 4,000 animals adopted for the year, which is a record year for the Humane Society in its 70 plus years of being here," said executive director Luke Westerman.
After a successful year, Westermann says he wants an even better 2018. That's why he invited one of the best animal shelters in the state to help at the shelter.
"Austin Pets alive has so graciously agreed to come in January and work with our management team and staff. They have a very high save rate. I want to say almost 98 percent of the animals that go through their shelter come out alive," Westerman said.
Westerman said the humane society is also partnering with several private and national donors to increase its budget, incuding PetSmart and Maddie's Fund.
In 2018, the shelter wants to add more volunteers, revamp its enrichment program by having animals spend more time outside of cages, increase the number of animal foster caretakers and lower its return rate
Volunteers say the hardest part is seeing animals come back after being adopted
"It's sad to see them come back, or see them across the street at animal services and you're just like 'Aw man, they didn't take care of the dog,'" said volunteer Omar Barbosa.
"Some of the animals, the cats and dogs when they come back, maybe once or three times and that's a little upsetting to see," said employee Melissa Apodoca.
"Our goal for 2018 is to continue to drive that number down," said Westerman.
The Humane Society plans to end the year with a little over 4,100 animals adopted.
