Nina Gombash, volunteer at Butler County Humane Society, holds Biscuit after cleaning the community cat room on Wednesday. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

For most organizations, getting busier is a good thing, but for nonprofits like the Butler County Humane Society, it can be a bad thing.

In the Wednesday, July 24, edition of the Butler Eagle we learned that the humane society has seen an increase in the number of dogs and cats being surrendered and a drop in donations.

The number of dogs and cats being turned in to the humane society are up 8% and 6%, respectively, for the summer. That has put more strain on the organization’s budget.

That led to the cancellation of the organization’s monthly pet supply distribution in June.

“Between having to feed more, we're having a hard time keeping up, and we're not getting as many donations,” said Cari Ciancio, humane society executive director. “We do have to turn away some animals because we just don't have the space.”

There are multiple ways to help the organization. One is to participate in the Empty the Shelters program that’s happening through July 31.

The humane society is partnering with the BISSELL Pet Foundation to waive adoption fees as a way to help rotate more animals out of the shelter and into people’s homes.

Another big way to help is to donate to the humane society. The money is used to cover the costs of supplies and vet care for the animals.

A final way is to become a foster parent through the humane society. Fostering animals ensures there is room in the shelter if needed.

“Fostering is so important, especially over the summer because it makes room for other animals that need space,” Ciancio said. “Anything given to us, it kind of goes back out to the people who foster because we don't want them to take on the cost.”

For more information or to donate, visit https://butlercountyhs.org.

— JK