Over 100 Dogs Endure Heat at Medley Shelter Without Air Conditioning

MEDLEY – The sweltering heat in South Florida is taking a toll on pets, particularly those in animal shelters.

A video circulating on social media highlights the measures being taken to keep pets cool at the Miami-Dade Animal Services facility in Medley, where there is no air conditioning.

Annette Jose, Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services, clarified that the Medley shelter is an open-air facility and has never had air conditioning. The facility is currently being used due to pet overpopulation.

Several years ago, a new air-conditioned main facility was opened in Doral, but the Medley shelter remains in use for overflow.

“The Medley location was initially intended for quarantining dogs that were being transported or were sick. Due to the overpopulation crisis we’ve been experiencing since last year, we now house more than 100 dogs there,” said Jose.

With this week’s intense heat, extra measures have been taken to keep the dogs comfortable. Jose explained that they are adding ice to water bowls, implementing walking restrictions so dogs are only walked for ten minutes in the early morning and after sunset, and monitoring pets for signs of heat stress like heavy breathing and lethargy. Pools have also been set up for the dogs to cool off in.

“What will really help us is for the community to stop bringing pets to the shelter,” said Jose.

She emphasized the importance of spaying and neutering pets to control the population. Additionally, she encouraged those who cannot adopt to consider fostering.

To address the crisis, Animal Services is hosting an adoption event on Saturday with all fees waived. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Medley location.