For just over a year, local animal shelters have been sounding the alarm that there are more pets than they can support in need of permanent homes. This has happened before, but typically during brief periods like kitten season. This time around, the situation is unique in that organizations are struggling to adopt out dogs, especially large breeds such as huskies, German shepherds, and pit bulls (who also have big litters).

“Dog overpopulation in shelters right now is something we’ve never seen before,” says Dr. Gary Weitzman, CEO of San Diego Humane Society (SDHS).

According to Stephanie Filer, executive director of the national organization Shelter Animals Count, the usual flow of animals in and out of shelters has fallen out of balance since the pandemic. “We have had more pets entering shelters than have left,” she says. “The number of days that large dogs are waiting to get adopted has doubled.”

Experts are unsure why adoptions have flatlined, but the reasons for increased pet surrenders are clear.

“When owners are surrendering [animals], it’s because they literally cannot afford to care for them or cannot find a place to live with them,” Filer says.

Landlords frequently bar pets over 50 pounds or restrict certain breeds. Amid a housing crisis, renters may not have the luxury of choosing affordable residences that also accommodate large dogs. In a 2021 report, Michelson Found Animals claims 8.2 million pets could find homes if these restrictions were lifted. The organization also found that housing led 14 percent of surveyed renters to surrender animals.

“As a society, we really want people to be able to have animals and enjoy that companionship and not have those resource issues be a factor, but they are certainly what’s driving the overcrowding,” says Jill Tucker, CEO of California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals).

Of course, housing isn’t the only economic concern contributing to shelter overcrowding. The New York Times reported last month that the cost of veterinary care has shot up more than 60 percent in the past 10 years. Meanwhile, the number of vets has dropped—the staggering debt, relatively paltry salary, and high stress of the profession has led to veterinarian shortages across the US. 

Shelters are affected by the vet shortage, too. According to a recent survey of California animal welfare organizations by the Program for Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee, 64 percent of organizations cannot provide certain kinds of veterinary care, such as spaying and neutering, to animals at their facilities because they are unable to fill vacant veterinarian positions or afford or even find appointments at nearby vets.

At the beginning of the pandemic, many vet surgeons ceased spay and neuter procedures amid a PPE shortage in which safety equipment was saved for human medical care. Large-scale spay and neuter programs that often fixed upwards of 50 animals in a single day were paused due to the health risk of congregating in groups.

Previously, SDHS, one of the largest shelters in the nation, received puppies transferred from Arizona and parts of the American south each year, taking pressure off shelters in those regions and allowing San Diegans to adopt young dogs. For the first time, SDHS has not been able to accept transferred animals because there are puppies entering the shelter system locally. As of May 30, “we’ve got about 140 puppies right now and they’re all from San Diego,” Weitzman says.

“For [SDHS] to not be able to help organizations who previously depended on them, because, rightfully, they need to help the animals in their community first, it does create this ripple effect across the country,” Filer adds.

Currently, SDHS is building a new veterinary facility for mass spay and neuter care, but in the interim, the organization, which performs 80 to 100 sterilization procedures per day already, has had to cut back on providing that service for pet owners in the community because they have so many animals in their own care. This only leads to more unaltered pets in the community in the future. “It’s just this exponential math problem,” Tucker says.

Amid this national crisis, overpopulated shelters face thorny decisions: Will they limit their intake of abandoned animals; house more animals in subpar conditions, like hallways lined with cages; or euthanize pets so the remaining animals have enough space? SDHS has a no-euthanasia policy, but reps have stated that overcrowding causes behavior problems, risks the spread of contagious diseases, and leads to immense stress on staff and animals.

“Shelters get stuck in a position where there’s not a good outcome,” Tucker says. She helped spearhead the first ever California Adopt-A-Pet Day on June 1, when 3,609 animals across the state found homes.

Tucker and Weitzman are also part of a coalition of animal welfare agencies lobbying for the state legislature to pass bills to address the problem. Potential solutions include requiring vet schools teach students how to perform mass spay and neuter procedures and restricting landlords’ ability to enact pet bans. 

The best way for the average person to help? Adopt a shelter pet.

Island life is about to get a lot tastier when Blanco Cocina + Cantina opens its second San Diego location on Coronado Island July 17. The restaurant is part of Fox Restaurant Concepts, founded by Sam Fox, who is behind the wildly-successful Coronado all-day eatery, The Henry.

Blanco offers a vibrant twist on Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine and an extensive margarita & cocktail menu, with a laid-back yet chic coastal vibe that locals and visitors alike are sure to frequent.

Blanco’s Second Coronado Location

Sam Fox, Founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts, expressed gratitude to the Coronado community for embracing The Henry and praised his team’s operational excellence and hospitality. He is excited about opening a second location on the island, offering career growth opportunities.

“We think Blanco perfectly captures the spirit of Coronado island—it’s good times with good people, and great margaritas of course. We can’t wait to open our doors.”

Rich Flavors at Blanco Cocina + Cantina

Blanco’s menu is filled with rich flavors showcasing a commitment to quality; handmade corn tortillas, all-day braises, Summer produce fresh-squeezed for margaritas … every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail.

Guests can look forward to menu favorites including:

• Tiger Shrimp Fajitas with spicy garlic butter
• A variety of tacos (like slow-cooked BBQ Pork with roasted corn slaw, pickled onion, crema fresca)
• Twists on Sonoran-style classics like the Roasted Poblano Chile & Tomato Cheese Crisp
• The Short Rib Machaca Chimichanga (made “Sam Style” by adding a crunchy taco)

Or just go for the drinks, featuring a wide variety of seasonal margaritas and infused tequilas. Standouts include:

• Blanco’s signature Smashed Watermelon Margarita with chile con sal
• Frozen Palomas and Margaritas on tap
• The Tamarindo Mule with spicy tamarind, ginger beer
• Fresh squeezed lime, flights of mezcal and tequila
• Refreshing agua frescas

Blanco Brings SoCal Style to Coronado

True to casual SoCal style, the Coronado location will also feature a walk-up taco window with a selection of Blanco favorites, allowing guests to enjoy quick bites and margaritas on the go or when visiting the beach for a picnic.

Blanco’s design seamlessly blends laid-back California cool with a touch of Mexican charm. The bright and airy space boasts a central bar and rich earth tones that are punctuated by pops of vibrant artwork.

Exposed wood beams and natural textures create a sense of warmth, while subtle metal accents, lush greenery, and ample natural light complete the picture, setting the stage to enjoy great food, good friends, and fun.

The restaurant spans over 5,600 square feet and will feature both indoor and patio seating options.

About Blanco Cocina + Cantina

Tacos and tequila. Has there ever been a more perfect pairing? Whether you’re looking for a quick bite over a lunch meeting, craving dinner with the fam, in need of a pick me up after a long day at work or treating yourself after a job well done, we believe tacos and tequila are where it’s at.

Escape the daily grind and get the fiesta of flavor started. Let our welcoming interiors inspired by bright colors and patterns take you to a place that’s full of life. One bite of our ultra- fresh, Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine and you’ll be transported.

At Blanco, your glass will always be half full with tequila, with an extra shot of happy. You get the idea. Grab a bite, grab a drink and join the party.

See you there!

Blanco Cocina + Cantina is located at 1301 Orange Ave., Coronado Island, and will offer lunch and dinner service daily Monday through Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM; Sunday: 11 AM to 9 PM.

Guests can make reservations starting July 17. For more information, visit their website here and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.

See you there, San Diego!

Icon Heroes will be back at San Diego Comic-Con again this year, at Booth #3245. They always have an exciting array of licenses, including Zoo Jitsu  Fighters, For All Mankind, and more.

Visit the booth to score a free preview comic, collector pins, and character posters for Zoo Jitsu Fighters.

[UPDATE July 1]

Up first, Icon Heroes showed off Tiago the Tigter, presumably one of the character posters they’ll be giving away at the con.