With more and more people forced to stay home due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, many shelters have suggested that now might be the right time to take in a pet or foster an animal.

Shelters around the country have reported increases in adoptions as people take that advice and find furry new companions.

One of those facilities is the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control in Florida.

They typically have three large buildings packed with animals in need of homes. But on April 14th they celebrated a rare accomplishment – an entire building was empty because of a drastic increase in adoptions and fosters.

What a sight!

This is the first time in the 50 years the shelter has been open that an entire kennel building has been vacant.

“The kennel featured is typically almost full or full most of the time,” Elizabeth Harfmann, the facility’s community outreach manager told The Dodo. “When full it can have 48-plus dogs in it as we often double up the cages to help create more space and also give the dogs a buddy while they are here with us.”

Naturally, employees took a moment to celebrate and posted a heartwarming video to Facebook showing off the empty cages and giving a big round of applause to those who helped.

In their caption they thanked the local community for taking in animals in need:

“This amazing milestone was made possible by the help and support of our entire community! Thank you to the shelter staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to care for, find homes for, and advocate for the pets who come through these doors; thank you to our incredible foster parents who open their heart and homes to thousands of pets each year; thank you to everyone who has opted to adopt a shelter pet – whether it be here or from any of the other amazing organizations out there; thank you to our placement partner organizations far and wide – without them, this would not be possible.”

Harfmann called the sight of the empty kennels “almost surreal,” saying that it’s the kind of thing every animal advocate dreams of but rarely gets to see.

However, there are still animals in the other two buildings.

When Harfmann was interviewed by The Dodo on April 17th, she asked for a hand in placing more residents:

“As of this morning we still need help placing 32 dogs, one cat, two horses, and a rooster.”

Anyone need a rooster? Copper is a 3-year-old male in need of a good home!

Or how about Felix, who has been at the shelter since February when his owner suddenly had to enter the ICU and then an assisted living facility?

When they posted their video to Facebook on April 14th, Friends of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control mentioned needing help placing “Charlotte the adoptable pig” as well. But apparently she found a home in those few intervening days!

Of course, these moments don’t last forever. There are always new animals in need coming in.

“We realize that having an empty kennel is a fleeting moment, especially for an open-admission shelter, but wanted to celebrate the success of the shelter and community for as long as that moment lasts,” Harfmann said.

Be sure to scroll down below to see the sweet video of the staff celebrating the empty kennels – it has now been viewed over 2.1 million times!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: The Dodo, Friends of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control via Facebook