Cats have outnumbered dogs 4 to 1 at the Pembina Valley Humane Society (PVHS).

Currently, the shelter cares for 35 cats, some of which have lived at the shelter for over a year, shares PR Chair Megan Rogers.

"One cat that we have Dipper, he was born in March of 2017. So next month will be his one year birthday and he has grown up in the shelter. We really hate to see kittens grow up here and not in a loving home."

In 2015 approximately 82,000 cats were taken into shelters across Canada,  with approximately 15,000 to be euthanized.

As a non-euthanasia shelter, this is what the PVHS wants to avoid, explains Rogers. With a max capacity of 50 cats, unfortunately, they are not able to take in every animal that is surrendered.

Dave Bohn shelter manager says they can take in that many cats but it would put unnecessary stress on the animals.

Currently, the shelter has 35 cats some which have lived at the shelter since they were kittens

"That would be overcrowding cat rooms to a place where we would be exposing them to more stress and making them more vulnerable to upper respiratory."

They need the leeway explains Bohn, so they can take back animals in a foster situation change, or if an animal is freezing and needs a warm shelter.

Bohn says they're always looking for new fosters. The foster program helps animals that are having a hard time being adopted or need help adjusting to a home environment. Fostering is also meant for animals with special needs or dietary restrictions that can't be housed with the other animals. People can apply to become a foster at the PVHS.

Bohn is the only full-time employee of the shelter, caring for the animals would not be possible without support from the community at fundraisers like 'Thaw Yur Paws' which raised around $2,300 and the diligent work of volunteers.

Shelter Manager Dave Bohn and PR Chair Megan Rogers

One such volunteer is student Jennifer Smith, who has been volunteering at the shelter since December.

"I chose to volunteer here just because I love animals and dogs so much," says Smith. "It’s just such a great opportunity to volunteer, meet new people, as well as help animals out."

Rogers says they're always looking for more volunteers with positions available as board members as PR Co-Chair or Build and Maintenance Rep.

More information can be learned about the PVHS at their upcoming AGM at the Pembina Hills Art Council on February 26.