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Santa Monica’s animal shelters have surpassed their capabilities amid a wave of animal surrender and nuisance intake, prompting city officials to ease overcrowding and abandon adoption fees in the hopes of leaving pets in permanent homes.
The shelter, which can accommodate around 30 dogs and 75 cats, currently carries more than 34 dogs and more than 60 cats and kittens, according to Robert Silverstein, a public service manager at the Santa Monica Police Station. Kennels are doubling, and staff are working to manage the surge with limited space and resources.
“We now have 34 dogs and have begun doubling our kennels to manage our intake,” Silverstein said in a statement. “We’re reaching the maximum level and space.”
The Santa Monica Police Department and the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation announced this week that all adoption fees are being funded by the foundation to encourage residents to adopt.
A067584 Mr. Lie – Dogs Available for Adoption at Santa Monica Animal Shelter 7.14.25ALI A067611-CAT Available for Adoption at Santa Monica Animal Shelter 7.22.25Barney A067565-Santa Monica Animal Shelter 7.14.25DROGO A066478 – Dogs Available for Adoption at Santa Monica Animal Shelter at DOG – 11.5.24GINGER A067441-CAT Available for Adoption at Santa Monica Animal Shelter 6.18.25Jack A066836-Santa Monica Animal Shelter 3.17.25ramon Lovelace CAT available for adoption at A066961 – Santa Monica Animal Animal Shelter 4.11.25rickymartin Atign.11.25Rickymartin Dog available for adoption at Ricky Martin 5.27.25SELENA A067291 – Cat available for adoption at Santa Monica Animal Shelter 6.24.25Simba A067354 – Adoption at Santa Monica Animal Shelter 5.19.25Target A067416 – Adoption at Santa Monica Animal Shelter
“This is the most full we’ve ever seen,” the foundation said in a Facebook post. “They have so many great puppies, dogs, cats and kittens that they can’t wait to see you.”
Shelter officials say the increase in surrender appears to be driven by post-pandemic lifestyle changes, including those returning to work, moving or traveling more frequently. Other reasons quoted include behavioral issues and pet attacks.
Silverstein said some people outside Santa Monica were incorrectly reporting the discovery of stray animals within city restrictions. Although the shelter makes every effort to find a home for the animals, he noted that the practice reduces the possibility of unity and strains local resources.
“The shelter has a reputation for being extremely careful about the animals and doing their best regardless of how long they spend at the shelter,” Silverstein said.
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Shelters typically consume around 500 dogs and cats each year, in addition to their wildlife intake of around 250.
Located at 1640 9th Street in Santa Monica, the shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm and is closed from noon to 1pm. Residents can also call 310-458-8595 for more information.
“Employing pets is a commitment to be conceived and carefully considered,” Silverstein said.
For those who cannot adopt, shelter officials are asking the public to help spread the word.
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