Editors note: This is the first entry of the new Leadership Corner blog, where our CEO, Ashley Mikulsky will share information regarding the animal welfare industry and provide updates about the ARL.

As we near the end of the calendar year, shelters typically see a slowdown of incoming animals as the weather changes and breeding season subsides. Unfortunately, due to many external pressures, such as inflation, the ongoing housing crisis, and last winter’s warmer weather, the ARL continues to be inundated with incoming pets – specifically cats. Just this week, we announced that our shelter is full despite all of the tactics we typically deploy, such as sponsored adoption events, transfer requests to other partners, surrender prevention programming, and spay/neuter efforts. While we know we are not alone in this crisis, we desperately need the community’s help right now. Everyone has a part in this crisis, and you can get involved in whichever way best fits your lifestyle right now:

• Adopt: adopting a cat/kitten will give a second chance to a pet while opening much-needed space for other animals to come in. Visit www.berksarl.org/pets to view all the pets that are currently available for adoption.
• Foster: taking pets into your care for a limited time will give this pet the opportunity to experience a loving home while waiting for a new family. The ARL provides all the resources needed to care for these pets during the foster period. Reach out to foster@berksarl.org to sign in.
• Volunteer: Cleaning volunteers can help us to keep the cages free of diseases while helping our animal care staff to focus on preparing enrichment activities and medical care for the animals. Reach out to volunteer@berksarl.org to sign in.
• Share: by sharing this post or animal profiles on your social media, you help us to broaden the exposure of these pets beyond our following. Being in front of more people gives a better chance for animals to find the family they need.
• Donate: By donating linen, toys, food, cat litter, or money, you can help the pets get the resources and care they need at the shelter. You can donate on our website here: https://berksarl.org/berksdonates/
• Transfer to other rescues: If you work with another rescue that is willing to take fully vetted animals, let us know so that we can see if arranging a transport would work for you or your rescue. Contact pawsitivep@berksarl.org to join.