The Parkland Humane Society (PHS) is in dire need of volunteers.

According to PHS office administrator Jenn Langlois, the shelter has been inundated with an influx of cats and dogs.

“There’s lots of dogs coming in from the pound. The same with cats coming in from the pound. And we are up to 20 dogs in the shelter and only a few are in foster. So we are also short of fosters,” she said. “And we have only one summer student hired and then my fulltime position. I’m supposed to be on office, but I’m also taking care of the dogs a lot.”

Langlois added there are currently 10 to 15 people who are on the schedule to come in and care for the animals at the shelter.

“Lots of times we’re running with only one person here. We’re lucky if we get two. So we are desperately in need of more volunteers to care for all of these influx of animals that are coming though,” she said.

Every day, Langlois said, they receive calls about pregnant cats or cats with kittens.

“And we just don’t have places to put them We are full here. Our fosters are full. We also get lots of calls for dogs, again lots when they get pregnant and need a place to go and we just don’t have that room,” she said.

At times, animals will be sent to other shelters, but those other shelters are also full and are unable to accommodate any more animals.

“We are definitely over the maximum right now for the dogs and the cats. And when we’ve only got one or two people per shift you can’t devote all of your attention, you’ve got to get everybody fed and watered. And by the time you get even that (far), then your shift is done and you haven’t had play time or walking time,” Langlois said. “These animals need more than what they’re getting.”

Of the 20 dogs, eight are housed inside the shelter itself, while the rest are housed in the kennels, sometimes with two or three per kennels.

And there are between 20 and 30 cats, as well, with a long waiting list for cats to come in.

“So no sooner that we get some out, more are coming in,” Langlois said.

Another problem facing PHS is no one is currently adopting animals.

“We’re at a standstill for adoptions. So therefore, no other can even come in. Lots of people are surrendering or they’re in the pound. They’re just not going anywhere,” Langlois said.

Anyone interested in volunteering or fostering can call the shelter at 204-638-6966, or visit the organization’s website at parklandhumanesociety.com and fill out the foster or volunteer form, which can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or dropped off at the shelter.

Those interested in fostering will receive everything they may need to care for a dog or cat.

“For fostering, you don’t need anything. We give you everything you possibly need. Leash, collar, bowls, litter, litter boxes. There is absolutely no cost to a foster to take a dog or a cat,” Langlois said. “We just like that you’re able to bring the dog or a cat if they need to be seen or if they have vet appointments.”

Langlois added they also look for fosters who are able to care for animals that may need medical attention.

“It could be simply giving a pill, that they’re comfortable with doing that,” she said.

Shelter shifts are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week year round.

“We need somebody here all the time,” Langlois said.