Eastern Shore Animal Shelter Issues Emergency Plea After Reaching Capacity

MELFA, Va.— The Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility is asking for immediate help from the community after reaching maximum capacity, warning that every kennel is now full following the seizure of five dogs this week.

Shelter officials said the intake of the five dogs on Wednesday filled the facility to capacity, with additional stray dogs expected to arrive Thursday and no remaining space available to house them.

“We are beyond full,” the facility said in a social media appeal, urging residents to step forward by adopting or fostering a dog to help relieve the overcrowding.

Officials said even temporary foster homes can have a major impact by freeing kennel space for newly arriving stray or homeless animals. The facility also asked residents to share its appeal on social media to help connect dogs with potential adopters and foster families.

The shelter is open to the public daily from noon to 4 p.m., and anyone interested in adopting, fostering or learning more is encouraged to text 757-709-8103.

Animal shelters across Virginia and the nation have faced increasing overcrowding in recent years, driven by a combination of owner surrenders, rising veterinary and pet care costs, and a shortage of available foster homes. Municipal animal control facilities, unlike many private rescue organizations, are responsible for accepting stray and seized animals brought in by law enforcement or animal control officers, making available kennel space essential.

Fostering can provide an immediate lifeline during periods of overcrowding. Temporary foster families allow shelters to continue accepting animals in need while giving dogs a quieter home environment that can reduce stress and improve their chances of finding permanent homes. Adoption provides an even longer-term solution by creating additional capacity for future rescues and emergency animal seizures.

Facility officials said community involvement is critical to ensuring the Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility can continue caring for homeless, stray and abandoned dogs throughout Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

Residents interested in helping are encouraged to visit the shelter during public hours or contact the facility by text at 757-709-8103 for information about available dogs and foster opportunities.

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