PERINTON, N.Y. — Lollypop Farm Humane Society of Greater Rochester says more than 300 pets have been brought to the shelter just this month. That makes for about 635 animals being housed there altogether. 

What You Need To Know

  • More than 300 pets were surrendered to Lollypop Farm so far this month

  • Lollypop Farm is looking for volunteers to foster pets to help with capacity

  • Lollypop Farm is accepting walk-ins for adoptions

Ashley Zeh, director of communications, says financial hardships and changing situations are to blame.

"People are running into problems where they may have lost their jobs, lost their home, and are unable to care for their animals anymore,” said Zeh.

The shelter is planning for the situation to get worse. New York's moratorium on residential evictions is set to end on August 31. According to Human Animal Support Services, millions of animals are expected to be surrendered. Lollypop Farm says right now, they have to prioritize animal admissions in dire emergencies.

There are ways people can help. The greatest need is for volunteers to foster a pet. 

"We have a big group of about 300 people that are taking in animals into their homes so that they don't necessarily have to be here in the shelter while they rest and recover,” said Zeh. “Right now we're having an issue where we're starting to see when we send out a faster please, this cat had medical services, we're not getting that foster volunteer that's ready and able to take in a new animal."

They also accept money and pet supply donations. However, if you're ready to take it to the next step, the shelter will help you match with the perfect pet for you to adopt. Vicky Pape, director of animal placement, says there are things they want everyone to keep in mind before adopting though.

"When you're thinking about adopting a pet, the best thing to do is think about planning for a future with that pet,” said Pape. “What's your life going to be like. So make sure your current schedule can fit in a pet, think about how that will fit in. Think about if you travel or if you're planning on moving anytime soon how that pet will fit in. And also, right now, we're really encouraging people to think about the cost of medical care."

Lollypop Farm is accepting walk-ins for people to take a look at their adoptable pets. You can also check out their website to sign up to foster or to donate.

The city of Rochester’s Verona Street Animal Society said it is also facing high volumes of cats and dogs for the same reasons and is also looking for foster volunteers. Click here to find out more about how you can help.