Bridgeport Animal Control has been working to manage overcrowding as the number of dogs entering the shelter continues to put pressure on available kennel space. From reaching a point where there were no cages available to relying on rescue organizations for help, staff have had to find different ways to make room for incoming animals.
Chief Animal Control Officer Jennifer Merenda said the shelter recently reached a point where there was no available kennel space for additional dogs. Although the shelter is currently a few dogs under capacity, she said the number of animals can change quickly.
“Right now, we’re probably maybe 10 dogs under capacity, whereas like a week or two ago there was not a single cage left,” Merenda said.
Merenda said the shelter has seen an increase in animals since around 2022. Over the past two years, she said the shelter has mostly operated at around 75% capacity or higher.
When the shelter becomes full, staff can’t simply place multiple dogs together to create more space because of safety requirements. Instead, the shelter relies on nearby shelters and rescue organizations for help.
Merenda said she recently sent out a “mayday” when the shelter was reaching capacity, and Trumbull Animal Control and rescue partners helped take in dogs. Rescue organizations can also help place animals based on their specific needs, including senior dogs and animals with medical or behavioral needs.
The overcrowding doesn’t only affect the dogs. It has also created challenges for the staff working at the shelter. Marquis Hendrick, an assistant animal control officer, said the situation has required staff to adjust as more dogs come in.
“It just makes us have to, I guess, come up with different ideas of how to be able to house more dogs because of just the amount that we’re getting,” Hendrick said. “But besides that, I think that we’re handling it, but it definitely is getting to a point to where it’s becoming a little bit concerning because of how filled we are right now.”
Merenda said several factors are contributing to the number of animals entering shelters, including a lack of affordable, pet-friendly housing, rising rent and pet fees, veterinary costs and the overall cost of living.
“It’s not just one thing,” Merenda said.
Some dogs also take longer to find homes than others. Merenda said small dogs tend to be adopted more quickly, while pit bull mixes and larger dogs can be more difficult to place because of housing and insurance restrictions.
One dog that has had an especially long stay is Tonga, who has been at the shelter since June 27, 2025. Tonga is a 1-year-old male pit bull mix who is described as “a ball of excitement, energy, and good vibes.” He has tested well with other dogs and was nonreactive in the cat room.
Another dog is Shania Twain, a 2-year-old female medium pit bull mix. She tested well with other dogs, is always ready for a good time and loves tippy-tapping her feet as someone walks by her kennel. Shania was at the shelter for quite a while and was eventually adopted. Less than 48 hours later, she was returned to the shelter.
“Typically, we’re not able to accommodate returns because we don’t even know if we’ll have the kennel space,” Merenda said.
Merenda said community members can help by adopting, sharing the shelter’s dogs on social media or fostering through rescue organizations that work with Bridgeport Animal Control. Dogs adopted from the shelter cost $80 and leave spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
Those interested in adopting can view available dogs through Bridgeport Animal Control’s Facebook page or Petfinder and submit an adoption application to animal.shelter@bridgeportct.gov.
Adoptions are by appointment only. Once an application is preapproved, the shelter will contact the applicant to schedule an appointment.
Looking ahead, Merenda said community support can make a difference for dogs waiting to find homes.
“You have to click with the right dog. But if you at least make it your first stop, I think that would be really helpful,” Merenda said.
