The Regina Humane Society (RHS) is holding a three-day, zero-dollar fee dog adoption event this weekend to tackle dog overpopulation at the shelter.

Bill Thorn, the director of marketing and public relations with the RHS, said the event provides an excellent opportunity for potential adopters to find their perfect canine companion.

“All through 2023 so far, we’ve seen a dramatic uptick in the number of pets that are coming through our door, particularly dogs,” he said. “Something that is new over the last number of years is having a high number of dogs in our care, and they are coming in faster than they are being adopted, which is of great concern to us.

He said his latest count totalled 49 dogs in their care, which he called unprecedented for the RHS.

“We’ve got only so much space, and it’s difficult to maintain everyone’s health and happiness when we get that many animals in one building.”

Thorn said the society had seen an unprecedented level of dog intake following the pandemic pet boom combined with changing housing and employment situations and challenging economic conditions.

“Talking with other humane societies and SPCAs across the country, it seems to be a fairly common problem, and the general consensus is it is still fallout from the pandemic.”

“There were a lot of adoptions during the pandemic when people went home and had some time, and now that situation has changed, and as they are heading back to work, they are finding they do not have the time for the pet,” he continued. “The way the economic conditions are right now, things are getting very expensive. People’s pocketbooks are getting tightened up a little bit, and in some cases, it’s making it hard for people to maintain proper care for their pets.”

The event runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday with all RHS canine adoptions, including spay/neuter surgery, vaccination, tattoo, microchip and a post-adoption veterinary exam.

Adoptions and viewing will be open from noon to 6:00 p.m.