CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Around the region, animal shelters have struggled with recent intake increases. During the Animal Control Committee meeting on March 27, Montgomery County Animal Care and Control Director Dave Kaske shared the local intake percentages and what could be done. 

Since 2023, the MCACC shelter has had a 12.5% intake increase caused by multiple factors. Of those intakes, 70% were stays, 14% were owner surrenders, and 16% were for reasons such as adoption returns, ferals, euthanization and abandonment. There was a 13% increase in owner surrenders from 2023 to 2024.

There were 16,594 visitors to the shelter. “These were just visitors coming in to look at dogs and cats,” Kaske said. “This does not include people that have come in through the intake side of the facility.”

A total 5,076 stray animals entered the shelter in 2024, which is a 7% increase from 2023 and 13% from 2022. That’s an average of about 15 animals per day.

There were 625 owner surrenders. 

Not including the number of animals being picked up from owners, 1,906 were adopted. For dogs, there were 983 reunited, making a 8% decrease from 2023, and 51 cats were reunited, making a 38% decrease from 2023. 

Shelters with similar issues

When asked during the meeting about the cause of the increases, Kaske said it seems to be a problem for many shelters right now. “I’ve actually reached out to other shelters, and that is about the same number of adoptions.”

He spoke with the director of the Nashville Humane Association, which is having the same issue. “She kind of said we’re in the dark times. Dog options are down and intakes are up. She said they’ve been struggling down there as well.” 

What can be done

Opening the new MCACC shelter later this year will help with the intakes, with more space for cats and dogs. However, they know it will not solve all of the intake issues. 

Clarksville-Montgomery County Humane Society Director Amy Shaver made a recommendation. “We’re at the 36% increase since 2021, so the community isn’t cooperating with the needs. … If we don’t get the community to start acting responsibly, and unfortunately we’ve tried to introduce (pet) licensing several times over the years.” Shaver said.

She explained to the committee that the community has responded negatively, but it may be something to look into again “which would help tremendously with responsibility and funding for the shelter,” Shaver said. 

Kaske explained that because of the cost for pet owners, it has been difficult to do. He told the committee they are going to look into it and start with a “clean slate on the new regulations.” 

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