Wichita’s animal shelter had its second highest intake of dogs and cats in 2023, and this year is on track to have a record number.
Wichita Police Lieutenant Derek Purcell oversees the shelter operations, and he said in recent weeks there has been an average intake of 20 dogs per day along with six cats. He said some of the animals are sick when they are brought in, and the shelter is working to prevent the spread of disease. He said that has reduced shelter capacity by 25 percent and the shelter is operating at critical levels every day.
Owners who have lost a pet should check online at 24petconnect.com or PetHarbor.com. Pictures of animals are posted on the site and if an owner recognizes an animal, they should go to the shelter and arrange to see it.
Purcell said people who are going to the shelter to walk through and see the animals should talk to staff first. Staff can then guide them through the shelter and let them know which areas are off-limits due to disease.
More information is available on the city’s web site at wichita.gov
