LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — Before animals in need find a forever home, they find care at shelters.
Like many providers, staff at Lincoln County Animal Services say they lack kennel space due to overcrowding.
“Constantly, people are finding strays or needing to rehome their animals," Animal Services Director Jana Aviles said. "We've been dealing a lot with hoarding cases and cruelty investigations where we're taking animals in.”
The nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign on Saturday, Aug. 26 is providing hope by bringing attention to overcrowding.
From adoption to fostering, there are opportunities for everyone to show support.
“We look at it as kind of a big family effort," Aviles said. "Our fosters, transporters, donors, everybody helps get together to keep the ball rolling.”
Staff say volunteers are like a lifeline and, although their efforts aren't always seen, their work makes a world of difference to animals waiting for a home.
“…with limited resources and the amount of animals that come in," Program Supervisor Tyler Moore said, "They really are the lifeblood and if you don’t have volunteers, you’re not going to have a no-kill community like we have here.”
As Clear the Shelters nears, they're hoping the community will offer a helping hand, so more animals can be freed from captivity and brought into the care of a loving home.
“We really rely on our community to take care of them," Aviles said.
WCNC Charlotte is partnering with area shelters to help Clear the Shelters this weekend. View our previous coverage to learn how to help.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.