SAN CLEMENTE : Pets Overwhelm Animal Shelter

The departure of U.S. Marines for the Persian Gulf has resulted in a deluge of pets at the San Clemente Animal Shelter.

Dogs and cats arriving at the shelter totaled 115 in January--more than double the usual rate for this time of year. And the nonprofit shelter is starting to feel a financial bite.

The shelter is against destroying animals, so pets are kept until someone adopts them, which can take as long as six months, said Sandi McVeigh, assistant manager. The cost per pet starts at $125 for spaying and neutering and increases with the animal’s stay.

“We only have so many kennels, and our food budget is way up,” McVeigh said.

The shelter only accepts strays found in San Clemente. Owners are not allowed to drop off their pets, although an exception is made for service personnel who can prove they are being sent to the Persian Gulf.

“It’s been emotional for everyone here because it’s sad when someone has to go to war and leave their pet behind,” McVeigh said.

To help keep the doors open, the shelter counts on such community events as rummage and bake sales. A bake sale will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the shelter, 320 Avenida Pico.

“We need (the income from) all the fund-raisers we hold,” McVeigh said. But “the timing of this one is important.”

The shelter has moved quickly to find new homes for the pets. The facility, which has a 45-dog capacity, is now home to just 22 canines.

“We’ve been very successful at placing them lately,” McVeigh said.

And despite the increasing numbers of animals being left at the shelter, workers recently had their spirits raised by a success story.

A Marine whose dog had been lost for several days found the animal at the San Clemente shelter--just a day before being shipped to the Gulf.

“He was crying with joy over finding his dog,” McVeigh said. “We were all very happy for him.”