March 18, 2022 3:20 a.m.

Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center is waiving all reclaim fees on stray pets from now through April 30th to get more lost pets home to their families.

Executive Director Megan Gram said like many shelters across the country, Saving Grace is currently operating at capacity, with the only dog kennel space left being reserved for dogs brought in by law enforcement.

Gram said the community’s help is really needed. She said since the eviction moratorium was lifted at the beginning of March, the facility has seen a huge increase in the number of pets surrendered due to the owners losing their homes. Gram said on Wednesday alone, they received seven cats, one rabbit and three dogs from one residence where an elderly woman was evicted.

Gram said when a family is evicted, Saving Grace can often provide temporary boarding for their pet if they can secure housing within a few weeks. She said in order to continue this program, Saving Grace desperately needs foster homes willing to host cats and dogs temporarily while their owners find housing. Those who want to help can sign up at www.savinggracepetadoptioncenter.org.

Saving Grace encourages anyone who has found a dog or cat not to bring them to the shelter right away and to hold on to them if possible. Operations Director Courtney Davenport said “Pets are much more likely to find their way home if they stay in the neighborhood in which they were found. Most pets are no more than five blocks from home when they go missing”.

The release said hanging posters with the pet’s photo and description, knocking on doors in the neighborhood and posting photos to social media are three great ways to help lost pets find their way home. Finders should also fill out a Found Report on the Saving Grace website so staff can be alerted if an animal matching that description comes in. Found pets can be scanned for a microchip at police stations in Roseburg, Winston, Myrtle Creek, Drain and Reedsport, at veterinarian’s offices or at Saving Grace.

Those who have lost a pet can contact the shelter at: customerservice@savinggrace.info or by calling 672-3907.