WILLIAMSON COUNTY — The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is trying to make room for 19 dogs that were dropped off on Friday.
The dogs were surrendered from a single location in Jarrell, according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
This is the largest amount of dogs the shelter has received from a single location in about 10 years.
While the shelter has the dogs safe, the staff said they do not have any more room.
"They're doing well,” Misty Valenta, the community programs coordinator for the shelter, said.
Valenta said the shelter was already at capacity before the new dogs arrived.
“Tonight, as the temperature drops, we're going to need to bring in all of our dogs in our outdoor kennels, inside,” Valenta said.
The 19 new dogs are in a hallway and holding room not meant to house this many dogs.
"The biggest problem right now is space,” Valenta said. “We can get them ready to go, but we don't have space in our adoption rooms to place them.”
To make room, the shelter is asking the community to adopt, foster or provide blankets and enriching toys for the dogs.
“The more adopters and fosters we have for dogs to go out into the community, then the more kennels that open up,” Valenta said.
The shelter has been a no-kill shelter for eight years.
The community has continued to come through for them in times of need in the past.
"We want to continue that streak,” Valenta said.
The shelter is currently undergoing an expansion, which is expected to open next year.
For those interested in adopting, fostering or donating, the shelter's address is 1855 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown, TX 78626. Their hours are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.