York County Animal Shelter Sees Massive Jump in Emergency Pet Cases

Pet emergencies at York County Animal Services shot up an astounding 187% this year. The spike stems mainly from medical situations where owners can't care for their pets.

"If someone's taken to a hospital, we get those animals," said Animal Services Director Bobbie Comer, according to The Post and Courier. "That increased in one year by 187%. God forbid, you have a heart attack, and your pup was with you, and no family member was there, we would get those animals to care for until you were conscious enough to defer it for someone else to pick up."

This month, the York County Council will review plans for a specialist to assess the need for new facilities. While initial projections suggested $24 million, officials seek ways to cut costs.

Community groups stepped up to address the crisis. Project Safe Pet connects animals to new homes and provides affordable spay and neuter options. They build outdoor shelters and transport pets to New Jersey monthly.

"The South faces worse pet population issues than the Northeast," said Alicia Schwartz, who runs York County's Project Safe Pet. "But space is getting tight up there, too."

Local volunteers from Friends of the York County Animal Shelter walk dogs and clean cages. Their first fundraiser, a cornhole contest, kicks off at Papa Doc's Restaurant in Lake Wylie on Nov. 1.

Fort Mill Golf Club plans Pints for Paws, splitting proceeds between Project Safe Pet and the Humane Society of York County.

The shelter's population keeps growing due to animal cruelty and excessive breeding. Staff must choose between upgrading their York building or constructing new facilities elsewhere in the county.

Success stories shine through the challenges. Take Rocky, a three-legged mixed breed. When medical costs overwhelmed his family, Project Safe Pet raised funds for surgery and found him a loving home.