Up To Date

Kansas City Animal Shelters Overflowing With Surrendered Pets

By Steve Kraske,

Published July 6, 2021 at 4:58 PM CDT

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Overhead shot of two cats curled up on a desk chair. On the left is the smaller ginger and white cat asleep while the black and white cat on the right is looking directly at the camera. — Willie (left) and Quabbles were both adopted from KC Pet Project during the pandemic. Both cats have remained in their current home despite the trend of relinquished pets which animal shelters in the area are experiencing.

Animal shelters across the metro that ran out of adoptable pets last year are currently overpopulated.

While KC Pet Project typically receives thirty to forty pets per day, according to Tori Fugate, "we are now seeing upwards around fifty to seventy new animals every single day coming into our shelter." She adds that over 1,400 pets came into their shelters over the last month creating a "desperate situation." Wayside Waifs, another area animal shelter, is also experiencing a surge in relinquished pets.

Tori Fugate, chief communications officer, KC Pet Project
Casey Waugh, communications manager, Wayside Waifs

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Up To Date pets animals adoption Coronavirus Kansas City Missouri (KCMO)KC Pet Project Wayside Waifs Podcast

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Reginald David

As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. You can reach me at reginalddavid@kcur.org.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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