How One Woman is Making a Difference Amid a National Shelter Crisis

As animal shelters across the nation and particularly along the Gulf Coast face an unprecedented overflow of animals, one dedicated animal lover is stepping up to make a difference. Rachel Aune, a foster and board member of the Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter, has made it her mission to provide as many animals as possible with loving homes.

“There was just this one kitten that was not doing really well so I took it home,” Aune shared, reflecting on her journey into animal fostering. “I think ever since then, I have always had a foster animal in my house.”

Over the past seven years, Aune has rescued over 70 strays, finding each one a forever home. Her passion for fostering is driven by the joy of seeing animals adopted and thriving in their new environments. “Truly, with being a foster, the thing that makes me the happiest through my organization is when people adopt an animal and send an update,” she said. Aune also highlights the emotional fulfillment that comes from helping overwhelmed pet owners, improving both human and animal well-being. The Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter, where Aune volunteers, currently has around seven pet foster families. Aune emphasizes the crucial need for more fosters. “Every organization is in desperate need of fosters, so it is something to think about and try out,” she encouraged. “You can always just try it once.”

The shelter’s Director of Animal Services, Robert Bryant, paints a grim picture of the current situation. “Our current shelter, which was built in the sixties, was designed to hold maybe 60 animals,” Bryant explained. “We have redesigned and changed things around so that it can hold about 120. Right now, we currently have between 140 and 150 dogs at any point in time.” Bryant attributes the surge in shelter populations to seasonal breeding and the issue of unaltered pets.

The problem extends beyond Mobile, with shelters in Baldwin County and Pensacola also struggling. Tracey Kinsley, community development and HR director at Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), reported 390 animals in their facility, which has a capacity of only 250. “Shelters being overcrowded is a nationwide epidemic,” Kinsley stated. “We specifically need volunteers, fosters, and supplies to help us and the animals get through this crisis.”

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to only adopt instead of shopping and use this amazing pet adoption search tool by WildWatchers to find shelter animals near you!

Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal.

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