Adopting Pets in Lincoln This Winter

The overwhelming number of pets, especially dogs and cats, is a major problem in Lincoln, Nebraska, right now. This problem puts an additional strain on resources devoted to animal welfare, causes overcrowding in shelters, and raises the rate of euthanasia. Lincoln's main animal shelter, the Capital Humane Society, has been running at full capacity, particularly during busy times. The shelter declared a crisis in May 2024 as a result of the excessive number of animals under its care. 

A kind and effective way to help fight this overpopulation is to adopt a pet from a nearby shelter. Adoption allows people to give a needy animal a loving home while also easing the strain on shelters. It's the perfect time to bring a new furry friend into your home and show them love and warmth throughout the winter months, especially as Valentine's Day draws near and the temperature drops.

The Capital Humane Society is essential to the control of Lincoln's animal population. It is a private, non-profit organization that offers a range of community programs, helps with adoptions, and temporarily houses unwanted pets. The Pieloch Pet Adoption Center, located at 6500 S. 70th Street, and the Admissions & Assessment Center, located at 2320 Park Boulevard, are two of the society's facilities.

In order to fight and reduce pet overpopulation and encourage responsible pet ownership, nonprofit organizations are necessary. For example, the Coalition for Pet Protection is a volunteer-run organization in Lincoln that uses advocacy and education to combat animal abuse and pet overpopulation. To prevent unwanted litters and lessen the number of homeless animals, Lincoln Animal Ambassadors also provides low-income residents with a spay/neuter assistance program. 

Although there aren't any specific adoption events or promotions listed for February 2025, the Capital Humane Society frequently hosts activities to promote responsible pet ownership and adoption. To meet the available animals, prospective adopters are welcome to stop by the Pieloch Pet Adoption Center during business hours! A number of events are scheduled throughout the year to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha, including "Vets Get Pets Wednesdays" on February 5, 2025, where Nebraska veterans can adopt pets with special considerations.

The Capital Humane Society typically has hundreds of animals under its care at any given time; the exact number varies according to the time of year and the rate of intake. For the organization to continue its mission of serving and bringing the community together by offering resources and support to pet owners, caring for displaced animals, and matching homeless pets with families through adoption, it greatly depends on community support, including donations, volunteers, and adopters.

If you’ve been thinking about adopting a little cat or dog, I would totally do it! These animals are looking for someone to love them and give them a safe, warm home. It’s an amazing way to make a difference in their lives—and yours too!

Image from capitalhumanesociety.org

By: Breanna Hawk