DENVER — Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) said it is experiencing a surge of small animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, and turtles and is asking the public for help.
Right now, 64 small animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, and turtles, call DAS home. At this time in 2019, the shelter had 23 small animals.
To make room for the compact creatures, DAS said it has opened parts of the shelter normally used to house other animals.
DAS said if you’re looking to add a new creature to the family, consider adopting instead of buying the animal at a pet store.
"This is where the community comes in," said Denver Animal Protection (DAP) Director Alice Nightengale. "Before you buy a small animal from a pet store, please check with an animal shelter first because there is a lot of need there. Prices are often more affordable too, and you’ll help a pet in need."
The cost of small animals at DAS starts at $15.
DAS suggests spending time with the type of animal you want — especially guinea pigs and rabbits — before taking one home. If you bought an animal at a pet store that you’re unable to keep, see if the pet store will take back the animal before bringing it to the shelter.
If you can’t adopt, DAS said foster homes and shelter volunteers are needed as well. A foster parent gives an animal a loving home until it finds its forever family. This also makes room at the shelter for another animal in need.
Along with small animals, the DAS said it continues to see a huge number of cats and dogs with 126 cats and 151 dogs. In 2019, the same time, the shelter housed 96 cats and 95 dogs.
> Check out all of the adoptable pets at Denver Animal Shelter.
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Animals and Wildlife
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.