'Dire Need Of Help': LI Animal Shelter Calls For Adoptive And Foster Families

BABYLON, NY — A Long Island animal shelter is two cages away from reaching maximum capacity and has called on the community for help.

The volunteers of Babylon Animal Shelter are "looking for the assistance of the public" while facing a "critical shortage" of foster and adoptive families, representatives said in a statement on Monday.

"We have two cages open and it is imperative that we keep cages available for stray animals," the statement continued.

According to the shelter, it currently has a large number of "outstanding" dogs big and small ready to be placed in permanent homes, as well as cats, kittens and bunnies.

The shelter also called on rescue organizations to reach out.

"We are in dire need of help!" the statement said.

In a prior interview, longtime shelter volunteer Christine Franke called out for help.

"These are very scary times for all the dogs. We are pleading to our community to take a chance and meet your new best friend," she said.

But adoption isn't the only option she said, adding that they're "desperate for experienced dog handlers."

"Even if it is one to two hours a week, we will take it and the dogs will love you for it," Franke said.

Normal adoption hours at the shelter are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Shelter staff are also happy to train interested dog lovers, Franke said. There's also an abundance of bunnies, kittens, and cats to spend time with too.

Anyone interested in volunteering may contact the shelter by calling 631-643-9270 or emailing BASvolunteers80@gmail.com.