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From Shelter to Forever Home:
A Journey of Hope and Adoption

Animal shelters across South Florida continue to face a critical overpopulation crisis. Miami-Dade Animal Services currently takes up to 36,000 animals each year despite being overwhelemed. This photo essay shows the conditions of the facility in Medley and the adoption process.

Miami-Dade County Animal Services held a pet adoption event at their Medley shelter in June. The county waived adoption fees for pets four months and older with the goal of finding them a new home.

The Medley shelter which houses more than 150 dogs has signs with the names and descriptions of dogs for people who are interested in fostering or adopting them.

Many dogs are not living in the best conditions because of overcrowding issues at the shelter. The dogs are kept in outdoor cages with bowls for only water and food.

The inside of the cages show the lack of resources for the animals trying to live a healthy life.

Water bowls and electric fans are used to make sure the dogs stay hydrated during hot and humid days in their cages.

The shelter also keeps the dogs refreshed during the heat by letting them take turns cooling off in a kiddie pool.

Families arrive in the search for a new life-long friend at the pet adoption event. Many are unsure of whether they might foster a dog for 30 days or adopt a new family member.

A family looks at all the cages to see the dogs and learn more about them by reading their descriptions.

The family was captivated by Mateo, a 2-year-old male dog that has been in the shelter since September 2023.

A volunteer unlocks a cage for the family to interact with the dog. The staff encourages them to spend time with each pet they are interested in adopting to see if they are the best fit.

The family and Mateo start to form a connection for the first time. The family isn't sure about adopting him because they don’t know how Mateo will behave at home.

They felt a strong connection during the bonding time, especially with the kids, which ultimately led the family to make the decision to adopt.

After signing the adoption papers, Mateo is ready to start a new life with people who love him and will take good care of him.

From Shelter to Forever Home: A Journey of Hope and Adoption

From Shelter to Forever Home:
A Journey of Hope and Adoption