Broward’s animal shelter launches student-powered rescue mission as kennels overflow
Broward County, Florida – Broward County Animal Care is once again sounding the alarm because its facility is getting full of pets again. The agency has come up with a unique solution that puts the youngest members of the community on the front lines of animal welfare. This is because every kennel space is full and the need for help is at an all-time high.
This summer, middle and high school students have another opportunity to get involved and make a meaningful difference. Animal Care has added students searching for community service hours to its foster program in an effort to help with the ongoing situation. Not only do participants get to earn up to 100 hours toward their graduation requirements, but every foster family also gets free pet food and veterinary care from the shelter. Students can even get extra hours if they help their pet companion find a permanent home.
Doug Brightwell, Director of Broward County Animal Care, emphasized the impact of this effort.
“Our shelter is full of love and pets who need homes and second chances,” said Doug Brightwell, Broward County Animal Care Director. “We’re excited to offer students a meaningful way to give back, build life skills, and help alleviate the pressure on our overcrowded shelter.”
The “911 for Pets” program is about more than just meeting graduation goals. It’s an opportunity for young people to learn responsibility, develop compassion, and be part of the solution to a problem that affects the whole community. The initiative also makes it easier for people to temporarily open their homes, since the shelter pays for everything from food to vet visits.
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But kids aren’t the only ones who can help. Animal Care is asking people to help in three major ways: adopt an animal, foster one, or just tell others about it. Adopting a dog or cat means giving it a home for life. Fostering, on the other hand, helps shelter staff and cats right away, even if it’s just for a few days. Also, anyone who can’t take in an animal can help connect animals with families who are ready to adopt by sharing the shelter’s website, PetAdoptions.Broward.org.
Anyone who wants to see the creatures who are up for adoption or find out more about how to help can go to PetAdoptions.Broward.org or email the organization at [email protected].
Broward County Animal Care continues to work on the “911 for Pets” project, and this summer, local students may help them find safe, loving homes for all the animals in their care.
