Dearborn Shelter Overrun with Adoptable Animals

Hundreds of cats, kittens, dogs and puppies may sound like an animal-lovers dream. But it's not the ideal scenario for the overwhelmed , which has struggled this summer with higher-than-usual numbers of surrendered strays.

"Last week, we had 33 strays in one day," said executive director Elaine Greene. "For some shelters, 33 is an average day. But not for Dearborn."

On a monthly basis, the shelter is seeing more than 200 new animals come through its doors–most of them strays.

The result has meant that not only are they running specials on cat and kitten adoptions, but also that they've had to turn office space and the dog behavior areas of their Greenfield Road location into spare living space for cats.

"We're maxed out on foster care; we're maxed out on dog space," Greene said. "And we could always use funds to help defray the cost (of caring for animals)."

The shelter has been ramping up adoption and fund-raising efforts with events like the PupCatSo art sale at . They'll be having a special cat and kitten adoption event on July 30 at the Livonia Pet Supplies Plus store, located at 29493 W. Seven Mile Road. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Adoption fees through the month of August have been set at an all-time low in an effort to get cats into good homes as quickly as possible. Adopters can take home two kittens for the price of one, or two adult cats over four months old for the price of one. Those prices have been lowered as well, to $55 and $25, respectively.

Dog fees have not been reduced for the time being, which Greene said is because the shelter is attempting to recoup some of the costs associated with spaying and neutering, feeding and caring for all of the new animals that come into the shelter.

"We need, obviously, adopters," Green said, "And we need more foster homes, too."

Interested in adopting or fostering an animal from the Dearborn Animal Shelter or making a donation? Visit www.dearbornanimals.org, or call 313-943-2697.